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Becoming a parent is extremely exciting. It's the start of a host of new responsibilities, especially when it comes to finances. This blog will help you keep track of the most important decisions and presents a consolidated financial checklist for new parents to help you manage and secure your child's future! 1. Create a Budget and Emergency Fund Establishing a budget is crucial for managing your household expenses effectively. Determine your monthly income, fixed expenses, and discretionary spending to ensure that your finances are on track. Additionally, build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or home repairs, aiming for at least three to six months' worth of living expenses. 2. Secure Health Insurance for the Family Healthcare expenses can be a significant financial burden, especially with a new addition to the family. Invest in comprehensive health insurance coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your child to safeguard against unforeseen medical costs. Look for policies that offer adequate coverage for maternity and newborn care, ensuring peace of mind for your family's health needs. 3. Protect Your Family with Life Insurance As new parents, it's essential to prioritize your family's financial security in the event of an unfortunate circumstance. Invest in a suitable life insurance policy that provides financial protection and support for your loved ones in case of your untimely demise. Calculate the appropriate coverage amount based on your family's future financial needs, including living expenses, education costs, and outstanding debts. 4. Plan for Your Child's Education Education expenses are a significant financial commitment, and it's never too early to start planning for your child's future. Research various education savings options, such as mutual funds, education savings plans, or dedicated savings accounts, to help fund your child's higher education. Start investing as early as possible to take advantage of the power of compounding and ensure sufficient funds are available when your child reaches college age. 5. Get all their Documents Sorted As new parents, you need to sort out all their documents beforehand within the first year. From their birth certificate, PAN minor, Aadhar, make sure all their documents are created and ready for use. Also, it's essential to have a clear plan in place for the distribution of your assets and ensure your child is added as a beneficiary legally. Conclusion Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience that brings immense joy and responsibility. By following this comprehensive financial checklist, new parents in India can take proactive steps to secure their family's future and provide a solid foundation for their child's growth and development. Remember, early financial planning and investing, especially in mutual funds, can make a significant difference in achieving your family's long-term financial goals. Start planning today to ensure a brighter tomorrow for your loved ones. Join our robust WhatsApp Community that helps parents invest!

Inflation is snowballing. To cope with the growing cost of inflation, one needs to plan investment at an early stage. When we think about investment, we can choose from multiple options available in the financial market. Traditional tools provide a nominal return on your investment, while mutual funds offer varied products suitable for different needs with attractive return potentials.  What is a Mutual Fund?  A mutual fund is a pooled investment vehicle that collects the savings of several investors who share a common financial goal. It manages the investors' money by investing in securities to generate a return. It charges fees from that return generated, and the remaining return is passed on to the investors.  One of the main advantages of investing in mutual funds is that it provides investment diversification. This means that the money invested is spread across various companies and sectors, which reduces the risk of losing all the money in case of a market volatility downfall of one company or sector.  Concerns amongst investors are prevalent when they start investing money in any financial asset class as they put their hard-earned money into that investment.  Let us address and discuss the different concerns in detail for better understanding.  Risks and Disadvantages of Mutual Funds Market Risk - When we choose to invest in securities, there will always be a market risk i.e. the macro-economic risks all firms in the economy are exposed to. You can't control the market risk, but you can be prepared for it. Understanding the market risk and diversifying your investment can help you survive the market storm.  No Guarantee – Compared to other traditional tools available in the market, there is no guarantee that you would get a minimum of this much return or that your principal is protected. As we know, mutual fund returns are subject to market risk.   Management Risk: Mutual funds also include management risk, which means that the fund manager may not perform well and could not generate the requisite return. Sometimes, even experienced fund managers can get caught off guard by unexpected market events or make emotional decisions based on fear or greed.  High annual expense ratio: Mutual funds must disclose how much they charge their investors annually in percentage terms to compensate for the cost of running an investment business. The percentage of expense ratio reduces the mutual fund's gross return.  Mutual Fund Loads: Mutual funds may apply exit loads, which are one-time expenses levied when exiting a mutual fund scheme. The charges applicable here are as follows.   Exit Load: The exit load must be paid when an investor exists in the mutual fund scheme within a short span. This fee is levied to stop investors from opting out of the scheme.  Transaction Charges: An investor must pay a nominal amount as transaction fees. For example, if A wants to invest 10,000INR into a mutual fund and transaction charges are 100INR, then that investor will have 9,900INR in total to invest.  Other Costs - Investors incur indirect costs during the investment journey, including opening and maintaining a demat account, brokerage charges, etc. While buying and selling stocks, a security transaction tax is levied, which must be paid by investors.  As mentioned earlier, professionals manage mutual funds, making smart decisions for investors like you. This way, you can gain from the manager's knowledge and experience. Keep in mind that due to rules and regulations, many funds may dilute returns, which could limit potential returns.  Investing in mutual funds isn't risk-free, but risk can be minimized in an effective way to grow your wealth over the long term. By managing expectations, understanding risks, and choosing the right funds for your needs, you can turn this rollercoaster into a smooth and rewarding ride towards your financial goals. Remember, knowledge is power, and with a little research and guidance, you can navigate the world of mutual funds with confidence.  If you are still confused about your investment journey and need guidance, then book a meeting with our wealth advisor.   Join our robust WhatsApp Community that helps parents invest!

In the pursuit of providing an exceptional education experience for their children—be it during the formative years, primary schooling, or higher education—every parent shares a singular concern: financing this educational journey. With the education costs skyrocketing, every single moment becomes crucial because time is money. As the adage goes, "The early bird catches the worm.", delving into preparations for your child's future sooner rather than later is akin to higher corpus maturing over time. Thereby, ensuring a more robust foundation for their educational endeavours.   To help you better understand the situation, consider two friends, Ram and Lakhan. They both decided to invest for their child’s future a sum of Rs. 10,000/Month SIP in a fund that gave 12% annualized returns. The only difference is Ram started investing when he was 24 years old and Lakhan started investing when he had his first child at age 30. At the age of 40 Ram would have had Rs. 58.13 Lakhs whereas Lakhan would have had just Rs. 23.23 Lakhs, loss of almost Rs. 35 Lakhs because of delaying the investments. Therefore, the earlier you start, the better it is.  But how to find a good investment? How to know if a scheme is good for you as there are “n” number of things that hover around.  Perplexed yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.  To simplify this vast world of mutual funds for you, we have prepared a list of the important factors one should consider while investing in Mutual Funds.  Time Horizon - How much time do you have in hand determines your risk-taking ability. The higher the time horizon, higher the risk you can take and vice versa.  Risk Appetite - Determine how much risk you can take. This will depend on various factors such as time horizon, certainty of cashflows, amount of investment, etc.  As a general rule of thumb:  Equity funds are suitable for individuals with high-risk appetite and longer time horizon (5 - 10 years or even more).  Hybrid Funds are suitable for individuals with low to moderate risk appetite and having medium term time horizons (3-5 years).  Debt Funds are suitable for low-risk appetite investors for short term time horizon.  Investment Strategy – The investment strategy adopted by the fund plays a crucial role to determine if it is suitable for you. A high risk investment strategy might    Fund Details - See who is managing the fund and for how much time, where it invests, how much are its assets (higher the better), what is the expense ratio (lower the better).  Past Performance - How the fund has performed in the past, whether it has outperformed in the bull markets and protected your capital in the bear markets, etc. will give you an idea whether the fund manager has managed the fund appropriately.  Note: this is not an all-inclusive list.  Top Mutual Funds for Parents Still worried? Below is a list of top mutual funds parents can consider for their child’s education planning.   Sr. No. Scheme Name Category Sub-Category Inception Date AUM Expense Ratio 1Y Return 3Y Return 5Y Return 1. Nippon India Small Cap Fund Equity Small Cap 1/1/2013 43,816 0.67% 59.3% 42.60% 31.57% 2. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund Equity Mid Cap 1/1/2013 56,033 0.80% 53.99% 33.89% 25.41% 3. SBI Contra Fund Equity Contra 1/1/2013 21,482 0.69% 45.69% 33.46% 26.70% 4. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Hybrid Dynamic Asset Allocation 1/1/2013 73,349 0.80% 38.43% 27.55% 19.72% 5. DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Equity Index (Large) 10/27/2017 1,004 0.40% 33.31% 23.64% 18.89%  Note: All are Direct plan and growth option; AUM and Expense ratios are as on December 31, 2023; 3Y/5Y returns are annualized and as on January 30, 2024.   Source: Value Research  Fund Details:  Nippon India Small Cap Fund:  This fund is being managed by Mr. Samir Rachh (Since January 2017) and Mr. Tejas Sheth (Since February 2023) who is an assistant fund manager.  The fund has provided 27.07% of return since inception and it has outperformed the category over the last 1/3/5/7/10 years.  It has delivered the highest returns in the category over the last 7 and 10 years and has been in the top 3 over the 3 and 5-year period.  The fund has delivered the best risk-adjusted returns over the last three years, depicted by the highest Sharpe ratio.   HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund:  This fund is being managed by Mr. Chirag Setalvad who has been the head of equities since June 25, 2007, and Mr. Dhruv Muchhal who is an Equity Analyst and Fund manager for Overseas investment.  HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund is the largest fund in the mid-cap space with an AUM of Rs. 56,033 crores and is the only fund in the category to have an AUM of more than Rs. 50,000 crores.   The fund has provided a 21.76% return since inception and has outperformed its category and the mid-cap index in all the time horizons of 1/3/5/7/10 years.  The fund has delivered better returns per unit of risk depicted by the lower standard deviation and the beta compared with the category average.   SBI Contra Fund:  The fund has been in existence for approximately 25 years and has been managed by Mr. Dinesh Balachandran since May 2018 who has 17 years of rich experience in this field.  This fund has provided a whooping return of 19.59% since its inception date and has outperformed its benchmark S&P BSE 500 TRI in all the time horizon.   The fund follows a contrarian strategy while investing in equity and provides exposure to companies of all sizes.   The fund has delivered the best risk-adjusted returns in the category, as depicted by the highest Mean Return, Sharpe Ratio, Sortino Ratio and Alpha.   HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund:  HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund is one of the oldest funds in India and is the largest fund in the balanced advantage category, with an AUM of Rs. 73,349 crores.  The fund has been the top performer in the category for over 1/3/5 years and has delivered an impressive return of 16.04% since inception.   Although the fund has been volatile more than the category, it has delivered a significantly higher alpha of 10.34% compared to the category average of 1.35% over three years.     This fund has been managed by Mr. Srinivasan Ramamurthy, Mr. Gopal Agarwal, Mr. Anil Bamboli, Mr. Arun Agarwal, and Mr. Nirman Morakhia.  DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund:  This fund is being managed by Mr. Anil Ghelani (since July 2019) and Mr. Dipesh Shah (since November 2020).  This fund tracks the Nifty 50 Equal Weight TRI, allowing us to have exposure to large-cap equities where the probability for alpha generation is very low.   Compared with Nifty 50 TRI, Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index TRI has delivered better returns with lower volatility over a long-term period from June 2000 to April 2023.   The fund delivered an alpha of 3.75% whereas the other funds in the category struggled to outperform the benchmark over the last three years.    Above all the funds have given stellar returns and fare better amongst peer schemes. Parents can consider a fund that is appropriate based on their financial goal, risk tolerance and time horizon. Before embarking on any investment decision, consult a financial advisor for guidance. Their expertise not only enriches your understanding but also strengthens your strategy, ensuring a secure and informed financial journey.  Disclaimer - Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. The past performance of the mutual funds is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the schemes. The mutual fund schemes mentioned are only for educational and informational purposes, and no investment is recommended.   Join our robust WhatsApp Community that helps parents invest!

As we have stepped into 2024, although the year has changed, what has remained constant is parents' worry about rising inflation and education costs. Despite the uncomfortably high inflation (5.69, general, as of Dec. 2023), these rising figures do not reflect the hardship brought on by rising education costs. According to one news article, education inflation is higher(twice) than the inflation rate. Education costs include tuition fees, co-curricular fees, and other fees. Parents can consider the investment a suitable tool to mitigate these worries and the inflation risk.  When parents start investing in their child's future early, it is always beneficial as they will see the magic of compounding over the years. Along with inflation, the return on investment will also rise. One can beat rising inflation by making the right decision at the right time.  Generally, when a person wants to start investing, there are a few parameters that he needs to keep in mind before planning.  What amount does an investor want to invest? The investment amount should be pre-decided, like the amount you are ready to start your journey. (E.g. An investor can start an SIP with an amount as low as ₹100)  What is the time horizon? The asset class to be invested in will depend on the time horizon. Generally, the longer the time horizon, the greater the risk an investor can take and vice versa. Therefore, the investor should decide when he would require the money, and based on that, he can consider the risk he can undertake.  What is the risk appetite of that investor? Every asset class has different risk characteristics. Few asset classes are considered highly risky, such as equity funds, but rewarding, whereas few other asset classes, like debt funds, can be less risky but have low return potential. The risk appetite will depend on factors such as time in hand, the financial position of the investor, the amount of investment, certainty of the cashflows or income, etc. Considering these factors, the investor should decide his risk appetite and which asset he can invest in.  Considering this, the following are a few investment options that people generally undertake:  FD (Fixed Deposit) – A traditional tool of investment that provides steady returns of 5-7% over the period, but the return on FD generally fails to beat inflation.  PPF – A secure investment that provides a 7-8% (est.) return on your investment. It falls under the EEE(Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) concept, which means the principal amount, the interest earned, and the maturity amount of PPF are completely Tax-free.  LIP – Endowment plans are offered by life insurance companies that facilitate both risk protection and investment options, and many people consider these for the child’s investment planning.  Gold – Gold is one of the most popular investment options that act as a hedge against inflation.  Real estate – Although real estate provides decent return potential, it has limitations, such as high-ticket size, high transaction costs, high maintenance costs, illiquidity, etc.  If we look at all the above asset classes, they all come with various limitations, the primary and the most important being their underperformance against the elevated education inflation. Therefore, the investors lose their money in real terms if the investment cannot beat the education inflation, which is often seen in the case of the above asset classes. However, one asset class offers a solution to this and many other problems.   Mutual Funds - Investment in mutual funds is an excellent option. Mutual funds offer different products for the different needs of the investors. There is always a product available for every need of the investors. For example, investors can consider debt funds for short-term time horizons, which offer better return potential than bank deposits with lower risk. Hybrid funds can be considered for medium-term time horizons, providing limited growth potential and portfolio stability. Equity funds are suitable for long-term time horizons, which provide high growth potential with reduced volatility over a longer duration. Apart from this, mutual funds offer benefits such as professional money management, liquidity, diversification, lower ticket size, etc. Thus, parents can start their investment journey by regularly investing through SIP or one-time investment through lumpsum.  Top Performing Mutual Funds Following are some of the top-performing mutual funds from different categories:  Fund Name Category Sub-category Inception AUM  (Rs Cr) Expense Ratio 3Y Return  5Y Return  Nippon India Small Cap Fund Equity Small Cap 01-01-2013 43,816 0.67% 41.76% 30.94% HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund Equity Mid Cap 01-01-2013 56,033 0.80% 32.32% 24.97% SBI Contra Fund Equity Contra 01-01-2013 21,482 0.69% 32.20% 26.29% DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Equity Index (Large) 23-10-2017 1,004 0.40% 21.79% 18.48% HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Hybrid Balanced Adv. 01-01-2013 73,349 0.80% 26.29% 19.43% ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund Hybrid Multi-Asset 01-01-2013 30,650 0.84% 25.51% 19.79%  Note – All are Direct Plan and Growth Option; AUM and Expense ratio are as of December 31, 2023; 3Y/5Y returns are annualized and as on January 29, 2024  Source - valueresearch.com  Nippon India Small Cap Fund Nippon India Small Cap Fund is among the best performers and has consistently outperformed the category over the last 1/3/5/7/10 years.  It has delivered the highest returns in the category over the last 7 and 10 years and has been in the top 3 over the three and 5-year period.  The fund has delivered the best risk-adjusted returns over the last three years, depicted by the highest Sharpe ratio.  HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund is the largest fund in the mid-cap space with an AUM of Rs. 56,033 crores and is the only fund in the category to have an AUM of more than Rs. 50,000 crores.    The fund has consistently outperformed the category and the mid-cap index over all the 1/3/5/7/10 years.  The fund has delivered better returns per unit of risk, depicted by the lower standard deviation and the beta compared with the category average.  SBI Contra Fund The fund follows a contrarian strategy while investing in equity and provides exposure to companies of all sizes.  The fund has been in existence for approximately 25 years and has generated a since inception return of 17.13% for its direct plan as of January 29, 2024.  The fund has delivered the best risk-adjusted returns in the category, as depicted by the highest Mean Return, Sharpe Ratio, Sortino Ratio and Alpha.  DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund This fund tracks the Nifty 50 Equal Weight TRI, providing exposure to large-cap equities where the probability for alpha generation is very low.    Compared with the Nifty 50 TRI, the Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index TRI has delivered better returns with lower volatility over a long-term period.  The fund has delivered an alpha of 4.23%, whereas the other funds in the category have barely managed to generate the alpha in the last three years.  HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund is one of the oldest funds in India and is the largest fund in the balanced advantage category, with an AUM of Rs. 73,349 crores.  The fund has been the top performer in the category for over 1/3/5 years and has delivered an impressive return of 16.15% for its direct plan since its inception.  Although the fund has been volatile more than the category, it has delivered a significantly higher alpha of 10.98% compared to the category average of 2.62% over three years.  ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund has the largest AUM of 30,650 crores in the category.  The fund provides exposure to various asset classes such as equities, debt, real estate, commodities, etc.  It has delivered a significantly higher alpha of 11.90% against the category average of 4.70% over the three years.  Note: All the details of the funds mentioned above are of direct plan growth option unless otherwise specified and as of January 29, 2024.   Source: valuereasearch.com  Investing in your child's future will provide a world-class education to help them remain competitive among peers. Here, competitive means allowing them to be well-settled with their career choices and to live a confident and happy life. The sooner you start, the better you can provide for your child eventually.  Choosing the right plan and sticking to your investment decision will reward you with an extensive corpus. Investors can research before selecting any fund or consult a financial advisor who can give investment advice suitable to their risk appetite.  Happy Investing!  Disclaimer - Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. The past performance of the mutual funds is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the schemes. The mutual fund schemes mentioned are only for educational and informational purposes, and no investment is recommended.  Join our robust WhatsApp Community that helps parents invest!

Education loans to pay for your higher education overseas are common and effective; let's look at all the expenses under education loans to help you make the right choice. What are some expenses under education loans? Do education loans only help with tuition fees? Can education loans cover the cost of flights or help pay the living expenses?   Keep reading to find out the expenses under education loans.    One of the main issues facing the majority of Indian students who want to study abroad is how they would pay for their higher education. An education loan makes sure that all of the financial conditions for the application process for an education loan overseas are satisfied within the allotted time limit.  For the majority of students, the cost of an education loan in India for studying abroad is the main topic of conversation when it comes to financing higher education overseas. The information on this page is relevant to both secured and unsecured education loans in India for international studies.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y0V6Z0lcJs&t=1s Costs of a typical course abroad for a student loan  One widespread misconception is that student loans do not fully cover the costs associated with studying abroad. This is untrue, though, as all educational loans, whether secured ones from government banks or unsecured ones from private lenders, cover the following list of costs that are essential to the educational process.  1. Student fees  One of the two main components of both forms of education loans in India for studying abroad is the tuition prices charged by foreign universities. An education loan in India for the international study is intended to assist students in covering their tuition costs. In India, all student loan repayments include tuition. Therefore, when deciding on the overall amount of your student loans, you should give top priority to covering your tuition costs.  2. Housing Costs  The term "factors" can refer to a wide range of things. The main living costs for a student include their rent or room and board, food, and costs for other daily necessities like transportation to and from school, a security deposit for housing, etc.  3. Medical Insurance  International students are frequently required to obtain health insurance by many foreign universities. This specific cost is covered by an education loan in India for studying abroad as it is one of the prerequisites for studying abroad for many students. Therefore, while applying for an education loan, health insurance can also be taken into account.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gTQkdePOWM 4. Flight Tickets  Another significant price covered by an education loan when applying for one overseas is airline tickets to the location of your choice. When quoting the education loan amount to your bank, this component might also be included.  5. Research Aid  You can include this information in the education loan application if your foreign university's offer letter states that you are responsible for paying for excursions and other extracurricular activities throughout the course of your studies. In addition, when applying for both forms of school loans in India, students can include the price of products like books, computers, and other study supplies in their total expenses.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fufyFB9aMQI Does an education loan cover living expenses? The answer is yes, in most cases! Indian education loans for abroad studies typically cover a range of expenses beyond just tuition fees. This can include: Living expenses: This covers your accommodation, food, local transportation, books and study materials, and other daily needs. Travel expenses: The loan may cover flight tickets to your study destination and back. Other fees: This might include visa application fees, health insurance premiums, and even exam registration fees. However, there are a few key things to remember: Loan amount limitations: There might be a maximum limit on the total loan amount you can avail. This limit should ideally factor in both tuition fees and estimated living expenses. Documentation required: You'll need to submit documents like university acceptance letters and estimated living cost breakdowns to secure the loan amount for living expenses. Disbursement process: The loan for living expenses might be disbursed directly to the university or in instalments based on a pre-determined plan. Remember: Carefully research different lenders and compare their loan terms, interest rates, and living expense coverage options. This will help you choose the most suitable education loan for your study abroad journey. With proper planning and the right financial backing, your dream of studying abroad can become a reality! What elements must a student take into account when determining costs?  There is no way to change the loan arrangement because the student loan is a one-time transaction. Therefore, a student needs to be aware of the costs they can cover on their own and those for which they might require a loan. The student's financial stability at the time of study is of utmost importance, so the loan amount should be chosen with that in mind.  Before assessing the costs, a student must take the following into account:  The price of housing in a specific country and whether it will be possible to live in shared housing for a lower cost of living.  Food prices in the city where the university is situated.  Additionally, a student's ability to prepare meals on their own can significantly lower the cost of tuition.  Since academics are not just available on-campus, the cost of eating out or intercity travel will be included in the total fee.  Many regions, including the US and Australia, have cheap used car markets and reasonable gas prices. In contrast, students in countries like Ireland receive discounts on public transportation. All of this requires preliminary research.  In the city where the university is situated, there are opportunities for part-time employment. There are enticing part-time occupations with regulated minimum earnings in several nations. This assists students in paying for a sizable portion of their living costs.  FAQs on Education Loans and Living Expenses What percentage of living expenses does the loan cover? The percentage can vary depending on the lender, your chosen university's location, and your course duration. It typically falls between 30% - 70% of the total estimated living expenses. Can I apply for a separate loan for living expenses? While some lenders might offer a combined loan, you can explore separate personal loans to bridge any gap between the sanctioned amount and your actual living expenses. However, remember the additional interest burden of a separate loan. Are there any living expenses not covered by the loan? Discretionary expenses like entertainment, shopping sprees, or travel beyond academic purposes typically aren't covered. What documents are needed for living expense coverage? Universities' cost of living estimates, proof of accommodation arrangements (if any), and detailed living expense breakdowns are usually required.

The USA has emerged as a top destination for ambitious students, and for good reason! This blog explores ten compelling reasons why studying in the USA can be a transformative journey, opening doors to academic excellence, personal growth, and a bright future. 1. World-Class Education: The USA boasts some of the world's most prestigious universities, renowned for their exceptional faculty and rigorous academics. You'll find innovative programs designed to challenge and inspire across diverse disciplines, from engineering and medicine to humanities and business. Many universities prioritize cutting-edge research, offering students the opportunity to learn alongside leading minds in their fields. 2. Globally Recognized Degrees: A US degree is a passport to success. Recognized and respected by employers worldwide, a US education equips you with valuable knowledge and skills that will set you apart in the global job market. Whether you seek a career in India or internationally, a US degree opens doors to exciting opportunities. 3. Flexible Education System: Unlike rigid educational structures, US universities offer a refreshing level of flexibility. The credit system allows you to tailor your studies, choosing courses that align with your interests and career goals. This freedom to explore different fields before specializing allows you to discover your true passion. 4. Diverse and Inclusive Environment: US campuses are a melting pot of cultures, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. You'll have the opportunity to learn alongside international peers, broadening your perspective and developing valuable intercultural communication skills. This diverse environment prepares you to thrive in an increasingly globalized world. 5. Practical Learning Opportunities: US universities go beyond theory, offering a wealth of practical learning experiences. Internships, co-ops, and hands-on projects allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This practical experience enhances your resume and makes you a more competitive candidate for future jobs. 6. Cutting-Edge Technology and Resources: US universities are at the forefront of technological innovation. State-of-the-art facilities, advanced research labs, and access to cutting-edge software and equipment provide an unparalleled learning environment. Imagine conducting research in world-class facilities and having access to the latest technological advancements in your field! 7. Development of Life Skills: A US education is more than just academics. Universities cultivate essential life skills, fostering independence, critical thinking, and strong communication abilities. You'll learn to manage your time effectively, collaborate with diverse teams, and express yourself confidently. This holistic approach empowers you to succeed not just in academia, but also in your personal and professional life. 8. Vibrant Campus Life: Step beyond the classroom and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of campus life. US universities offer a vast array of clubs, organizations, events, and activities catering to every interest. From sports and cultural clubs to student government and academic societies, you'll find opportunities to explore your passions, make lifelong friends, and contribute to a dynamic campus culture. 9. Scholarship and Financial Aid Options: Don't let financial concerns hold you back! Many US universities offer scholarships and financial aid programs specifically for international students. EduFund's expert advisors can help you navigate the financial aid process and explore scholarship opportunities to make your dream of studying in the USA a reality. 10. Post-Graduation Prospects: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to gain valuable work experience in the USA after graduation. This practical experience can strengthen your resume and enhance your career prospects. For some students, OPT can even lead to exciting job opportunities in the US after graduation. Wondering about how to finance your US education? Join our WhatsApp Community to know more! Embrace Your American Dream! Studying in the USA is an investment in your future, offering academic excellence, personal growth, and a chance to build a successful career. At EduFund, we're here to support you every step of the way. Contact our advisors today to explore your options and turn your dream of studying in the USA into a reality!

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With a quarterly average AUM of Rs 2.72 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes.  Let us get to know about their UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Scheme.  About UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund  Investment Objective – The investment objective is to invest in stocks of companies comprising Nifty 50 Index and endeavor to achieve a return equivalent to Nifty 50 Index by “passive” investment. However, there can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme will be achieved.   The UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund does not take any active sector or stock exposure that deviates from the composition of the Nifty 50 Index.  Portfolio Composition  The scheme distributes the majority of its investments across financial services, Energy, IT, fast-moving consumer goods and automobiles.  Note: Data as of 29th February, 2024. Source: Value Research  Top 5 Holdings for UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund   Name Sector Weightage % HDFC Bank Ltd. Financial 10.98 Reliance Industries Ltd. Energy 10.29 ICICI Bank Ltd. Financial 7.68 Infosys Ltd  Technology 6.22 Tata Consultancy Services Ltd Technology 4.32 Note: Data as of 29th February, 2024. Source : Value Research  Start a goal for your child's college dreams! Performance Since Inception  Period UTI Floater Fund Nifty 50 TRI (%) S&P BSE Sensex TRI (%) 1 Year 28.03 28.49 24.58 3 Years  15.75 16.15 15.24 5 Years 16.22 16.64 16.48 Since Inception 11.91 12.82 13.03 Note: Data as of 29th February,2024 Source: utimf.com  Fund Manager  Mr. Sharwan Kumar Goyal, who has been managing the scheme since July-2018.  Mr. Ayush Jain is an assistant Fund Manager and has been managing the scheme since May-2022.  Why Invest in UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund?  The scheme is passively managed and invests in stocks that endeavour to generate returns in line with the underlying index, subject to expenses and tracking error. Further, the probability of generating alpha in large cap space is very low due to the availability of a smaller universe of stocks and large base size. Therefore, exposure to large-cap space is recommended through passive investing.  The fund with a track record of over 22 years one of the largest funds in the category fund with one of the lowest tracking error and tracking difference.   Who Should Invest in UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund?  This fund is suitable for Investors  Who are seeking steady capital growth in tune with the index returns.  Who are looking for passive investment in equity instruments comprised in Nifty 50 index.  Ideal Time to Stay Invested   The scheme is suitable for investors with a long-term investment horizon of at least 5 years.  Conclusion  UTI Nifty 50 Index fund is an index-based diversified equity scheme that has delivered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.56% since its inception and the scheme has a relatively lower expense ratio. The UTI Nifty Index Fund offers an accessible option for new investors with a limited budget to diversify their portfolios by investing in India's top 50 publicly traded companies.  Disclaimer: This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.  Invest Now

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.72 lakh crore average AUM (excluding domestic fund of fund) for quarter ended December 2023, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes. Let us talk about the – UTI Conservative Hybrid Fund.  About UTI Conservative Hybrid Fund  Investment objective – The scheme's primary objective is to invest predominantly in debt and money market instruments and part of the portfolio into equity/equity-related securities with a view to generating income and aim for capital appreciation.   Note: There is no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme would be achieved.   Investment Process   The Fund aims to earn accrual income by investing approximately 75% of its assets in debt instruments. It follows tactical allocation to invest among corporate debt, government securities (G-Sec), and state development loans (SDLs), guided by the fixed-income strategy of the fund manager.  Source: UTI MF  Portfolio Composition  As a hybrid fund, the funds are allocated to equity, long-term debts, government securities, Cash and Cash Equivalents. As of 29th Feb 2024:  72.63% of the portfolio is allocated to debt  24.36% of the portfolio is allocated to equity,  3.01% of the portfolio is allocated to cash and cash equivalents.  Equity Allocation The equity fund allocated 71.27% to large-cap funds, 25.62% to mid-cap, and 3.11% go into small-cap.   Note: Data as of 29th Feb 2024. Source: Value Research  Top 5 Equity Holdings for UTI Conservative Hybrid Fund  Name Sector  % HDFC Bank Ltd. Banking 2.18 ICICI Bank Ltd Banking 1.40 Infosys Ltd IT 1.33 Axis Bank Ltd Banking 1.06 Bharti Airtel Communication 0.96 Note: Data as of 29th Feb. 2024. Source: Value Research  Debt Allocation:  Top 5 Debt Holdings for UTI Conservative Hybrid Fund  Name Sector  % GOI Sec 7.18 14/08/2033 GOI Securities 12.82 NABARD SR 23I Debenture 7.62 Debenture 6.33 PFC Ltd SR 223 Debenture 7.64  Debenture 4.79 HDFC Bank Ltd SR AB002 Debenture 7.97 Debenture 3.22 REC Ltd SR 220-B FRB 7.69 Floating Rate Bond 3.20 Note: Data as of 29th Feb. 2024. Source: Value Research  Performance Since Inception  Period UTI Conservative Hybrid Fund (%) Nifty 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 15:85 Index (%) CRISIL 10 Year Gilt Index (%) 1 year 13.68 11.49 9.42 3 years 9.80 7.46 4.36 5 years 8.39 9.30 6.21 Since Inception 9.32 8.44 5.61 Note: Fund performance since launch; Inception Date – 16th Dec. 2003. Returns are of direct plan. Source: UTIMF  Fund Manager  Mr. Jaydeep Bhowal holds CA degree from ICAI and also PGDFM from Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. He is the vice president began his career with UTI in November 2009. He has more than 10 years of experience and had been involved in various roles at UTI.   Who Should Invest?  Investors with lower risk appetite, seeking alternative to traditional investment options like FDs.  Investors seeking moderate participation in equity with relatively lower overall portfolio risk.  Why Invest?  Around 75% of the portfolio invested in debt securities with tactical allocation to corporate debt, G sec and SDLs based on overall fixed income strategy of fund house.  Fund manages the bond duration dynamically with investment across various maturities.   It focuses on high quality corporate debt securities to minimize the risk.  Portfolio diversification with distinct asset classes of equity & debt.  Time horizon  Investors with a time horizon of three years and above.   Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Click here to start investing for your child's college! Conclusion  The equity portion of the fund's portfolio is managed actively with a bottom-up stock-picking approach, while the debt portion is managed with a focus on credit quality and liquidity. The fund has consistently performed with a CAGR of 9.32% since inception, while having moderate risk. Investors with low risk appetite can consider this as an alternative to traditional fixed deposits for long term capital appreciation.  Disclaimer: This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.  Invest Now

 One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP Mutual Funds is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant.  In this blog, let us explore their  – DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund.  About the DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund  Investment Objective: The primary investment objective of the Scheme is to invest in companies that are constituents of the Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index (underlying Index) in equal proportions and it seeks to generate returns (before fees and expenses)  that mirror the performance of underlying index, subject to tracking error.   Note: There is no assurance that the investment objective of the Scheme will be realized  What is in the DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund?  This is an index fund that replicates the Nifty 50 Equal Weight Total Returns Index (TRI) i.e., same stocks and same weights.  Rebalancing an equal-weight index introduces a value tilt. By assigning equal weight to each constituent, the index leans towards smaller market-cap companies and lower valuations, which have historically outperformed their larger counterparts.   The portfolio is re-aligned every quarter so every stock's weight is brought back to 2%.  The portfolio is rebalanced semi-annually to adjust for any stock additions or subtractions to the Index.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio is well diversified across market caps and sectors. It had 98.48% of the funds allocated to large-cap stocks, and 1.52% to mid-cap stocks. At the same time, significant sectoral exposure is to banks and automobiles. The top five sectors hold more than 60% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 29th February. 2024. Source: Value Research   Top 5 Holdings  Name Weightage % Bharat Petroleum 2.54 Tata Motors 2.51 Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone 2.44 Oil & Natural Gas 2.42 Sun Pharmaceutical 2.40 Note: Data as of 29th February. 2024. Source: Value Research  Performance   Particular DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund NIFTY 50 Equal Weight TRI ^ Nifty 50 TRI  CAGR (%) CAGR (%) CAGR (%) 1 year 42.87 43.61 28.42 3 years  21.75 22.39 16.12 5 years 18.97 20.09 16.64 Since Inception 13.87 14.83 14.23 Note: Data as of 29th February 2024. The fund is of direct-growth option. Source: DSP MF  Fund Manager  Mr. Anil Ghelani is a fund manager. He has been managing this fund since July 2019 and he has a total work experience of 26 years.  Mr. Diipesh Shah is a fund manager. He has been managing this fund since November 2020 and has a total work experience of 22 years.  Who Should you consider the DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund?  This is a smart way to build wealth by investing conveniently and equally in the top 50 Indian companies.   This fund follows the philosophy that every company has a chance to outperform accordingly.  This fund is relatively low-cost, with a comparatively lower expense ratio than active large-cap funds.    The portfolio of this fund is well diversified and it avoids undue concentration in a few stocks/sectors.  It can help you beat the impact of rising prices over the long term  This is a zero-bias product since it only replicates the index and does not carry any stock or sector bias.   Recognize market falls as good opportunities to invest even more.  Accept that equity investing means exposure to risk.  Start a goal to save for your child's college dreams! Time Horizon  One should look at investing for a period of ten years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund has a proven track record of more than 6 years, where it has delivered a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 13.87% as of 29th February 2024, since its inception in October 2017. As the fund invests in Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund it carries high risk. Hence one can consider it from a long-term point of view for wealth creation.   Disclaimer: This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.  Invest Now

Tata Asset Management Private Limited (TAMPL) manages investments of Tata Mutual Fund. TATA is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With an average AUM of more than Rs 1.3 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the oldest asset management companies in the country. It has a 30-year track record in investment management.  Let us get to know about – Tata Money Market Fund.  About Tata Money Market Fund  Investment Objective – The investment objective of the scheme is to generate returns with reasonable liquidity for the unitholders by investing in money market instruments.   Investment Style – A money market scheme (liquid fund category) that invests 100% of its net assets in money market securities i.e., securities having a maturity of less than one year.  Investment Philosophy   Liquidity: To manage the short-term cash surplus of investors and provide optimal returns with moderate levels of risk & high liquidity.  Low Risk: Effective credit risk management. Investments are only done in high-quality money market instruments  Transparency: Clearly defined investment universe & asset allocation. All disclosures & portfolios are publicly available.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio comprises 92.35% allocation in debt, and the remaining 7.65% is held in cash and cash equivalents.   Note: Data as of 29th February, 2024. Source: Value Research Top 5 Holdings for Tata Money Market Fund   Name Instrument Weightage % Punjab National Bank CD 31/01/2025 Certificate of Deposit 4.24 ICICI Securities Ltd CP 365-D 23/01/2025 Commercial Paper 4.22 Reserve Bank of India T-Bills 182-D 06/06/2024 Treasury Bills 3.48 Small Industries Devp. Bank of India Ltd CD 07/02/2025 Certificate of Deposit 3.38 Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd CD Certificate of Deposit 3.25 Note: Data as of 29th February, 2024. Source: Value Research  Performance Since Inception  Period Tata Money Market Fund return (Annualised) (%) CRISIL Money Market B-I Index (%) CRISIL 1-year T-bill Index (%) 1 Year 7.88 7.66 7..36 3 Years  5.85 5,68 5.06 5 Years 6.26 5.78 5.52 Since Inception 6.61 7.03 6.42 Note: Data as of 29th February,2024 Source: tatamutualfund.com Fund Manager  Mr. Amit Somani, has over 21 years of experience in Global and Indian financial markets specializing in Credit Analysis and Fund Management. Amit is currently managing Tata's Liquid Fund, Money Market Fund and Banking & PSU Fund. He joined Tata Asset Management Pvt. Ltd. as a Credit Analyst in the year June 2010 and since September 2012, he has been working as a Fund Manager (Fixed Income). He has been managing this fund since 16th October, 2013.  Who Should Invest in Tata Money Market Fund?  This fund is suitable for Investors  Who have a short-term investment horizon and low risk appetite.   Who are looking for regular income over short term.  Who wish to seek exposure in money market instruments.   Ideal Time to Stay Invested   Ideal for investment with a time horizon of up to 12 months.  Want to start investing for your child's future? Conclusion  Tata Money Market fund is an open-ended debt scheme investing in money market instruments. It has relatively low interest rate risk and moderate credit risk and serves as an alternative to traditional instruments such as FDs. The portfolio of this fund is composed of high-quality bonds and is positioned to capture yield movement in the short term. Thus, investors who want to park their money for a short period with low to moderate risk metrics can explore this fund.  Disclaimer: This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.  Invest Now

HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd. (HDFC AMC) is one of India's largest mutual fund companies and among the most profitable asset management companies (AMC) in the country. For the period from October 2023 to December 2023, the company had an average AUM of over Rs. 5.51 Lakh crores (excluding domestic fund of funds). Let us talk about the consumer product—HDFC Asset Allocator Fund.  About HDFC Asset Allocator Fund of Funds HDFC Asset Allocator Fund of Funds is an open-ended fund of funds investing in equity-oriented, debt-oriented and gold ETF schemes through a systematic and process-driven asset allocation approach based on the financial model.  Investment Objective   The scheme aims to generate long-term capital appreciation/income by managing the asset allocation between equity-oriented, debt-oriented and gold ETF schemes.   Investment Process   The scheme seeks to allocate 40-80% of its assets to equity-oriented schemes, 10-50% to debt-oriented schemes and 10-30% to gold ETF.  The scheme considers factors such as TTM P/E, 1 Year Forward P/E, TTM P/B and Earnings Yield while determining equity allocation.  For debt allocation, the scheme aims to invest predominantly in schemes with exposure primarily to issuers with high credit quality.   Portfolio Composition  The fund holds 43.82% equity, 36.79% debt, 12.1%commodities, 0.73% real estate, and 6.56% in Cash and cash equivalents. The significant sectoral exposure is to Financials, which account for over 14.66% of the equity portfolio. The top five sectors hold more than 30% of the equity portfolio.  Note: Data as of 29th February 2024. Source: Value Research                                                         Top 5 Equity Holdings for Asset Allocator Fund   Name Weightage % HDFC Flexi Cap  17.01 HDFC Top 100  16.61 HDFC Small Cap 4.24 HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunity 3.93 HDFC Large and Mid Cap 2.06 Note: Data as of 29th February 2024. Source: Value Research  Top 5 Debt Holdings for Asset Allocator Fund  Name Weightage % HDFC Short Term Debt 15.18 HDFC Gold ETF  12.32 HDFC Low Duration  6.71 HDFC Medium Term  5.89 HDFC Income Direct 3.50 Note: Data as of 29th February 2024. Source: Value Research  Past Performance  Fund name 1Y  Since Inception HDFC Asset Allocator Fund (%) 26.63 17.47 Benchmark Returns (%) 20.46 12.85 Additional Benchmark Returns (%) 28.40 16.97 Note – Returns are of Direct Plan as on 29th February 2024.  Benchmark Composition - 90% NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35 TR Index + 10% Domestic Prices of Gold arrived at based on the London Bullion Market Association's (LBMA) AM fixing price. Additional Benchmark Index – NIFTY 50 (Total Returns Index)  Fund Managers for HDFC Asset Allocator Fund of Funds  The following fund managers manage the HDFC Asset Allocator Fund of Funds.  Mr Srinivasan Ramamurthy (Since 13th January 2022). He has a total of 12 years of experience in this field.  Mr Anil Bamboli (Since 05th May 2021). He has a total of 28 years of experience in this field.  Mr Bhagyesh Kagalkar (Since 02nd February 2022). He has a total of 28 years of experience in this field.  Why Invest in this Fund?  Timing the market for various asset classes is difficult as different asset classes behave differently across different economic cycles.  Combining negatively correlated/ less correlated asset classes - Strong case of diversification and mitigates volatility of portfolio returns  Reduces dependency on a single asset class to generate returns  Financial model-driven approach to asset allocation  Who Should Invest in HDFC Asset Allocator Fund?  Investors who are seeking  Capital appreciation over long term  Investment predominantly in equity-oriented, debt-oriented, and Gold ETF schemes.  Time Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of three years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The HDFC Asset Allocator Fund has been in existence for nearly three years. The fund allows exposure to different asset classes without worrying about identifying the individual mutual fund schemes. However, since it is a fund of funds, there is a double incidence of expenses charge. Investors who wish to have exposure to different asset classes for long-term capital appreciation can consider this fund.  Disclaimer: This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.  Invest Now

Education loans lessen the financial burden but applying for the loan at the right time can be tricky. Let’s ask some pertinent questions like what is the best time to apply for an education loan? When to apply for an education loan? How many months does it take to process a loan? Can you apply for an education loan before admission? Can you take an education loan after admission? Read to know the answers!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fEVPssqEfo&t=228s What is the right time to start your education loan process? The best time to start your loan application process for studying abroad is 6 months in advance. For instance, if you are aiming for the fall intake, then your loan application process should start in March or April. This gives you ample time and opportunity to select the right lender and negotiate the right interest and terms to get the perfect education loan for your profile. Education loans are an extremely important responsibility, and ensuring a thorough analysis of every step with the right experts can save you lakhs of rupees in the future. Start Early: Research and Planning Applying for an education loan should ideally begin well in advance to allow ample time for research and planning. Here are some essential considerations during this stage: Explore Different Loan Options Research various loan providers, including banks, credit unions, and government-backed loan programs. Compare interest rates, repayment terms, and any additional benefits or incentives different lenders offer. Thoroughly understanding the available options will help you make an informed decision. Understand Loan Terms and Conditions Carefully review the terms and conditions of different loan options. Pay attention to aspects such as interest rates, repayment periods, grace periods, and any potential penalties or fees associated with the loan. Ensure you fully comprehend the financial obligations before committing to any loan agreement. Evaluate Your Financial Needs Assess your financial requirements by estimating the total cost of your education, including tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other associated expenses. Determine the funding you need and consider the loan amount you are comfortable borrowing to cover these costs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW0VH10uH9I Also Read: What is the Cost of Attendance? When to apply for an education loan? There are two ways to approach this, you can start your loan application after receiving the admission letter or before you start admissions. Indian banks and financial lending bodies offer both options to a candidate.  Applying after getting an admission letter is easier. Banks have the reassurance that the candidate has been selected and is off to a recognized university. It makes the loan process easier for both parties involved.  Applying before getting an admission letter can be tricky. Some colleges ask for financial proof from their applicants before extending an admission letter. In such a case, banks can issue a condition education loan sanction based on the candidate's profile and help them satisfy their college requirements.  The best time to apply for an education loan varies based on the candidate’s profile. Many universities understand the financial quotient involved and offer financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants to students. After receiving the admission letter, students can start the process of finding the best financial aid to support them throughout their college years. Consider your college application timeline Your college application timeline plays a crucial role when applying for an education loan. Here's what you should keep in mind: Understand Admission Deadlines Be aware of the admission deadlines for your desired colleges. Ensure you have sufficient time to complete the loan application process and receive the necessary funds before the tuition payment deadlines set by the educational institution. Research Financial Aid Opportunities Before applying for an education loan, explore other financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. These sources can potentially reduce the amount you need to borrow. Exhausting all avenues of free or low-cost financial aid before turning to loans is essential. Consider Early Decision or Early Action If you have decided to apply through Early Decision or Early Action admission programs, initiating the education loan application process earlier is advisable. This will ensure you have your loan arrangements before the admission decisions are announced. Applying for the Education Loan Once you have completed your research and finalized your college plans, it's time to initiate the education loan application process. Here are some critical steps to follow: Gather Required Documents Different lenders may have varying document requirements, but standard documents include proof of identity, income, an admission offer letter from the college, academic transcripts, and relevant financial statements. Collect these documents beforehand to expedite the loan application process. Start the Application Process Contact the loan provider or visit their website to begin the application process. Fill out the required forms, providing accurate and complete information. Be prepared to give details about your chosen course, college, expected expenses, and repayment plans. Seek Expert Guidance If you find the loan application process overwhelming or have specific concerns, consider contacting a financial aid advisor or a representative from the loan provider. They can guide you through the application process, answer your questions, and help ensure a smooth loan application experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gTQkdePOWM Timing considerations While starting the loan application process early is crucial, timing is also essential in terms of disbursal and repayment. Consider the following factors: Disbursal Timing Some loan providers disburse the loan amount directly to the educational institution, while others may provide it to the borrower. Be aware of the expected disbursal timeline to ensure the funds are available to cover tuition fees and other expenses. Loan Repayment Understand the grace period before loan repayment begins. This is the period after graduation or leaving school when you are not required to repay loans. Evaluate your post-graduation plans and financial situation to ensure that you can comfortably begin repaying the loan when the grace period ends. Applying for an education loan is a significant step in financing your higher education. Starting the process early, conducting thorough research, understanding loan terms, and considering your college application timeline are essential for a successful loan application experience. By following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions and secure the necessary funding to pursue your academic goals. FAQs What is the right time to apply for an education loan? The right time to apply for an education loan is 6 months prior to the start your term. For instance, if you are a student applying for the fall 2024 intake, the right time to start the loan application would be March -April. This timeline gives you ample of opportunity to shop for the right interest rate, secure your loan and even provide proof of funds to the admission office to get your offer letter. Can I apply for an education loan without an offer letter? Yes, students can apply for an education loan without an offer letter. Lenders do consider your test scores and even university application acknowledgement. So start the application 6 months in advance to avoid any hassles at the end. My university requires proof of funds for the offer letter, but I don't have enough savings. What should I do? If you are applying abroad for your master's, then you are likely to submit proof of funds to get the offer letter. In order to get the offer letter, you can start your loan application and get a loan sanction that serves as a proof of funds for your university's admission requirements. TALK TO OUR EXPERTS

Your child needs a good school to be educated and gain skills to manage life challenges and become a better person. But it's tough to decide which is the best school for your child. The dilemma strikes between choosing a boarding school or day school.  The boarding school or day school debate is not new but is an essential pillar to choosing what is best for your child. Before we compare both the categories, let us have an understanding of what a boarding school and a day school are.  What is a Boarding school? A boarding school refers to an academic institution where students can stay full-time and do all their school activities. The students and teachers both stay within the school campus in their particular hostels.  A boarding school pays attention to holistic student development apart from academics. There are also girls-only or boys-only boarding schools within India that cater to the education of a particular gender.  Best International Boarding Schools in India Read More What is a Day school? A day school refers to an educational institution where students study within their particular classes throughout the day hours. They involve themselves in all the co-curricular, sports, and academic activities while staying in their houses.  The general day schools run from morning and go up to afternoon when teachers impart education with the primary focus of polishing the academic background of the students. Once school is finished, students can go back to their respective homes and spend time with friends and families.  Benefits of Day Schools Read More Boarding school or Day school? Boarding school and day school debate has been constant in the field of education. As the two institutions of giving education are different, parents often remain conflicted when it comes to choosing a school for their child.  The central and most important aspect of education refers to the round development of students. It is something that both these schools and boarding schools can ensure. But, there is an additional breakdown of boarding schools or day schools that may just help you make an informed decision as a parent.  Pros of Boarding school Let us begin by taking a look at the advantages of a boarding school for your child:  A boarding school provides round-the-clock development and education. They are strict about homework so you can rest assured that your children are getting it done in an environment free from destruction.  Boarding schools help foster independence. It cultivates self-reliance and gets the children used to the concept of staying away from home.  It is a perfect solution when it comes to busy parents. It provides the ideal solution for career-concentrated parents who are conscious that their kids are adequately supervised and encouraged to take part in many out-of-school activities.  Cons of Boarding school Now, let us understand the disadvantages of boarding schools:  Homesickness is going to strike the students at some point. They will stay away from home in an unfamiliar environment for the first time and it will take some time for them to get used to the new situation.  The cost of boarding schools is significantly higher. It costs a lot more than day school.  Parents think that they will be less involved in the upbringing of their children. They will relinquish many decisions that they would normally consider about their child. Pros of Day school Let us turn our attention to the day schools now. Here are some of the advantages:  You are going to see your kids every night and every morning when they wake up. Your kids can discuss any concerns with you.  The cost of day school is much more affordable than boarding school. It is one of the major arguments when it comes to the favor of sending your kids to day school apart from boarding school which is quite cheaper.  Cons of Day school What comes with advantages also comes with some disadvantages. Here are some of them:  Day school puts more demands on your time. This indicates that if you are a career-oriented person it will make it challenging for you to put the required time into taking care of your children.  Day schools also anticipate more parental involvement in parent-teacher meetings and other such occasions.  Daily transportation costs and daycare activities are other factors to consider when sending your child to a day school. How to make a decision: Boarding school or Day school? If money is not a restriction for you and you look forward to your kid being entirely immersed in the educational environment, a boarding school has much more to offer and is worth considering. On the other hand, a day school is the right option for you if you want to be more involved in daily educational activities!  FAQs Is boarding school better than day school? Boarding schools are a great option for parents who are constantly moving and want to offer their kids stability. Boarding schools provide a holistic learning environment and can do wonders for your kids' routine and, development growth. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, based on your preference you can opt for the type of schooling that agrees with your kid and your lifestyle. What are the advantages of day school than boarding school? The biggest advantage of day school is that your child can spend more time with you at home. They can develop hobbies after school, enroll in classes, and even develop social skills and networks separate from their school life. Is boarding school good or bad? Boarding schools have their pros and cons. Pros: They are great learning institutes that teach independence, and routine and contribute greatly to one's development and growth. Cons: Students may experience peer pressure, and separation anxiety and may experience loneliness because they are away from their parents and family.