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January 29, 2023

How education inflation can hurt a child’s future?

How education inflation can hurt child's future

Inflation has been a buzzword globally since Covid19 pandemic was over. Almost every country has been witnessing high inflation, and some are seeing skyrocketing inflation in a few decades.  

The rise in the price of cars, electronics, food, and fuel only reminds us how household goods and consumption items are becoming costlier.

While discussing the fuel price has been all the rage, there are some items where inflation has been hovering around for quite some time and that too consistently.  

This is nothing but Education. Unfortunately, this area needs to be spoken about more, as people are aloof about how it is not only making a hole in your pocket but also denting your aspiration. 

How education inflation can hurt child's future in India

Education inflation is the silent killer and is for real. But why is it so critical? 

Because it can demolish the dreams of a brighter future when taken lightly. Here’s an example that proves this powerful statement – Despite the pandemic, IITs increased their fees in 2021-22 from INR 90K to INR 200K. This is over 100%.  

So, a financially unprepared parent will face the heat of the situation with their child for admission!  

Why is education inflation scary? 

Below is the list of different segments and inflation over the last ten years.

education inflation
Source: MOSPI, EduFund Research 

The data highlights the reality that the rise in education costs has surpassed all other necessities and consumables in the last decade.

This rise is partial because the government is looking to reduce funding grants. Additionally, there has been growth in living standards and services offered by the Educational Institutes and thus the premium.  

In addition to headline educational expenses, many hidden costs hurt a parent. For instance, exam registration fees saw an approximate 6.7% hike last year.

Additionally, transportation and student accommodation costs contribute significantly to the overall increase in education costs. And finally, food costs are another major contributor that needs to be highlighted while planning for higher Education.  

Increasing tuition fees in India  

College tuition fees in India have seen an enormous rise over the years. Here is some data on total course fees for specific courses that help paint a clearer picture of how fast the tuition fees have risen over the years. 

increasing tution fees in India
Source: EduFund Research 

The figures are staggering, and one of the main reasons students drop out of college midway. According to recent data, approximately 39% of students aged 20-24 drop out of college to help their family increase their household income.

Therefore, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is a need for proper education planning in India, as many parents need to be aware of the rising tuition fee and how to tackle it.  

Education costs abroad on the rise 

If you want to send your child abroad, the cost will be higher, and you must be prepared to shell out much more to pay. 

But why? 

Because, in addition to inflation or price hike, currency depreciation also hurts you. 

So, even if the college abroad doesn’t increase the fees, you will pay higher Indian Rupee terms because of the depreciating Rupee. And, if the colleges increase fees (which they have done every year), the cost increases further in Indian Rupees.

Cost of Education in Indian Rupee when fees don’t increase 

  Jan-22 Jan-23 Change (%) 
Fees USD 79,540 79,540 0% 
USD | INR Rs 74.51 82.74 11% 
Fees Rs Lakhs 59.3 65.8 11% 
Note: The Fees are considered for Princeton University (Undergraduate Admission). The Fees is for 2022-23 and include – Tuition: $57,410, Housing: $10,960, Food: $7,670, and Estimated Miscellaneous Expenses: $3,500.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/  

Fees in the United States increased to nearly 5x from what it was in 1985. The scenario is similar for destinations like the UK, Canada, and Australia.  

Despite the pandemic, some universities abroad announced increasing the tuition fee for this academic year (2022-2023). The University of Pennsylvania announced a 2.9% increase in tuition fees, while Arizona State University announced that tuition fees would increase by 5% for international students.

The international students at all three campuses of the University of Illinois are likely to see a 1.5 to 2.5% hike in their tuition fees. 

How are you planning for your life’s most considerable expense before retirement? 

Unfortunately, the depth of the issue only hits you once you are close to paying for your child’s college, which is one or two years before.

And suddenly, you are left with only two choices- compromising on the quality of Education or opting for loans with a high-interest rate which eventually increases your overall cost of Education (after including the interest component on loan). Both decisions will have a significant impact on your child’s future.  

But you can avoid it. How? 

You can avoid financial stress by saving early for your child’s college. The sooner you begin investing in your child’s education expenses, the more time you give your savings to grow. Here is an example of how you could create an education fund for your child by investing early: 

 Unit 5 yrs. 10 yrs. 15 yrs. 
SIP Rs/month 10,000 10,000 10,000 
Annual Returns % Per Annum 15 15 15 
Total Outflow Rs 6,00,000 12,00,000 18,00,000 
Accumulated Amount Rs 8,96,817 27,86,573 67,68,631 
Note: The returns here are hypothetical and do not guarantee performance. 
Source:
EduFund Research

Find the right investment tool that suits your educational goal and start investing to achieve the goal. If you are overwhelmed with the available options, seek a financial expert to help you with your education investments.  

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4 W’s of Balanced Advantage Funds

4 W’s of Balanced Advantage Funds

What is a Balanced Advantage Fund? A balanced advantage fund is a fund that can invest 0-100% in the equity market or 0-100% in the debt market dynamically as per the prevailing market condition. For example - If a fund manager finds that the price of the equity market has gone up, he will tilt the portfolio more toward the debt market. Likewise, if the equity market trades at a discount, then the fund manager can tilt/shift the portfolio toward the equity market.  The valuation is the internal process of the fund. Based on valuation, the fund manager can take the call. This way, the fund manager can take the opportunity and change the asset allocation. The fund manager can go aggressive in the equity market or can also decide to play conservatively to reduce the portfolio's volatility. The aim is to minimize the portfolio's downside risk and maximize the returns.  Who should invest? Investors who are looking for long-term wealth creation. Investors who are not comfortable with the market volatility. Investors who do not want to face high volatility and looking for equity-like returns. Investors who are unsure which type of fund they should invest in, whether in the equity or debt-oriented fund. Risk-averse equity investors with an investment horizon of more than three years. Additional read: Financial mistakes to avoid Why should you invest? A balanced advantage fund is a dynamically rebalancing fund between two asset classes, i.e. equity and debt. It has the complete flexibility of rebalancing from 0-100% in both asset classes. It provides you with better risk-adjusted returns. It manages the equity market volatility and provides stability in the portfolio by diversifying the portfolio into the debt market. It offers you equity-like returns, which help your portfolio to grow at a much faster rate than debt funds and also helps you to beat inflation. Minimizes the downside risk and provides scope for growth by investing in the equity market. When should you invest? When the volatility in the equity market increases you do not want to have such high exposure to the prevailing volatility. When you want equity-like returns but do not want to face high liquidity. First-time mutual fund investor looking for long-term wealth creation. Conclusion Try to allocate some portion of your portfolio towards a balanced advantage fund if you want to reduce the portfolio's volatility. A balanced advantage fund is like a season fund. FAQs What is a Balanced Advantage Fund? A Balanced Advantage Fund can dynamically invest 0-100% in either the equity or debt market, depending on market conditions. Who should consider investing in Balanced Advantage Funds? Investors seeking long-term wealth creation, those uncomfortable with market volatility, and those unsure about equity or debt-oriented funds can benefit. Why invest in Balanced Advantage Funds? These funds offer flexible asset allocation, better risk-adjusted returns, and stability by diversifying into the debt market. They provide equity-like returns, growth potential, and risk mitigation. When is the ideal time to invest in Balanced Advantage Funds? Consider these funds when equity market volatility increases, and you want equity-like returns without excessive risk. What is the aim of Balanced Advantage Funds? The aim is to minimize portfolio downside risk, maximize returns, and adapt to market conditions, providing both stability and growth.
5 financial things to consider before child planning.

5 financial things to consider before child planning.

Both life and wallet will never be the same once you decide to have a baby. No event in your life will signify financial change quite the way this one does, from the first prenatal appointment to the day of college graduation (and beyond). 5 financial things to consider before child planning 1. Create a budget Before you start child planning, you need to have a budget in place. You and your partner may need to create a realistic budget based on your expenses and your streams of income. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, you will be able to tackle the costs easily. A new child is a new family member that needs space! So if you need extra space once the baby is born, figure out what kind of home you can afford, whether it's a slightly larger apartment, a warm cottage, or a pricey house. Will you want the latest baby things or your sister’s passed-on ones? Think about what sort of child care would you require and get candid with your expenses before you start making any purchases. Money Management Tips for Homemakers Read More 2. Costs associated with birth As new parents, you need prenatal vitamins, alternative therapies, labor and delivery alternatives, and screening tests. Give yourself enough time to change or upgrade insurance plans should you need more comprehensive coverage. Good health insurance is vital in this economy. Hospital bills, medical fees, and maternity costs can be high. According to estimates from the industry, a straightforward delivery could cost between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000, but a private specialty hospital could charge up to Rs 2-3 lakh. A cesarean delivery could result in a cost rise of up to Rs 4-5 lakh. Before having a kid, you should make financial arrangements for the costs associated with the delivery and child care. 3. Consider maternity leave The vast majority of Indian employees are not entitled to paid family leave. If the mother is employed, you might need to think about taking a lengthier (unpaid) maternity leave or a sabbatical for a year or two. This can be a huge financial loss for families that rely on both streams of income. Paid parental leave is not always an option. Find out if your workplace offers paid leave for new parents and if there are any policies in your favor that you can utilize. Determine the number of weeks covered and the proportion of your salary that is used. Do you have to use your sick and vacation days first? If you don't have access to paid time off or you're going to take more unpaid time off, you might want to cut costs or rely on your savings. 4. Purchase life and health insurance You'll want your child to be stable financially if something were to happen to you or your partner. A life insurance policy can assist in paying for things like child care, housekeeping, cooking, and more. Purchasing maternity insurance is the first action you can take to cover maternity costs. When purchasing health insurance, (even for a couple), it is important to confirm that the policy includes coverage for maternity costs and, if applicable, any applicable waiting periods. Additionally, by paying a larger rate, you might add pregnancy coverage to a current insurance policy. Buying health insurance is most important when considering having a child. Get your health covered in your plan so that you are not financially burdened in case of a health emergency. 5. Plan for the child’s education Just like the prices of lemons and oranges are growing, the cost of education is skyrocketing. Saving for your child’s college is a necessity. When it comes to saving money for college, time and compound interest are your best friends. Even while inflation is an unavoidable fact, keep in mind that education inflation is far higher. Utilizing the force of compounding is one approach to combat this, but it will only be effective if you have a long-term strategy in place. You indeed have no idea what career path your child will take, but you still need to put aside a portion of capital that can be utilized when the time comes. Right now, you need to think about the type of education you would like to offer because the practical costs of studying engineering in India vs. the US would be very different. From giving birth to seeing them off to college, watching your child grow and thrive is every parent’s dream! So give those dreams wings by planning ahead and investing for their bright future!  TALK TO AN EXPERT
5 investment plans every parent should have

5 investment plans every parent should have

As parents, we have a profound responsibility to ensure a bright and secure future for our children. While providing love, care, and education are crucial aspects, financial planning plays a pivotal role in setting the stage for their success. Investing wisely is key to securing their future aspirations and safeguarding against unforeseen circumstances. Let's explore five essential investment plans that every parent should consider, ranging from mutual funds and US ETFs to US stocks and insurance. So, we will dive in and discover the strategies that can pave the way for your child's financial well-being. Education Fund: The Power of Mutual Funds One of the most crucial investments you can make as a parent is in your children's education. Start by setting up an education fund that specifically caters to their academic pursuits. Consider tax-efficient options like a 529 plan, which allows you to invest in a variety of mutual funds, ensuring growth potential while enjoying tax benefits. Platforms like EduFund (www.edufund.in) offer valuable guidance and tools to help you plan and manage your child's education fund effectively. investment plans US ETFs: Diversification Made Easy 1. Exchange Traded Funds Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their flexibility and global exposure. Just like mutual funds, ETFs represent a basket of securities, including stocks, bonds, commodities, or a combination thereof. However, unlike mutual funds, ETFs are traded on stock exchanges throughout the trading day at market prices. ETFs offer several benefits, including transparency, liquidity, and cost-effectiveness. Parents can buy and sell ETFs at any time during market hours, allowing for more flexibility in managing their investments. Additionally, ETFs disclose their holdings daily, ensuring transparency in the investment portfolio. With generally lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds, ETFs offer a cost-effective investment option for parents. 2. USA Stocks For parents who are comfortable with taking on more active roles in their investment journey, investing in individual stocks can be an exciting avenue. Owning shares of well-established companies can offer substantial returns over time. While investing in individual stocks requires careful research and monitoring, it can provide the potential for higher growth compared to mutual funds or ETFs. EduFund's resources can assist you in understanding stock investing basics and identifying companies with strong fundamentals. To mitigate risk, parents can consider diversifying their stock portfolios across different sectors and industries. This diversification helps reduce the impact of a single stock's performance on the overall portfolio. In addition, parents should adopt a long-term investment mindset and focus on the fundamentals of the companies they invest in rather than short-term market fluctuations. Investment Tips for Dad's in India Read More Insurance - Protecting Your Family's Future Insurance is a pivotal component of any comprehensive financial plan, especially for parents. Life insurance provides financial protection to your family in the event of your untimely demise. It ensures that your children's education, living expenses, and future aspirations are secure, even in your absence. Term life insurance offers coverage for a specified period, providing a higher coverage amount at an affordable premium. Additionally, health insurance safeguards against unexpected medical expenses, offering peace of mind during uncertain times. By securing adequate insurance coverage, parents can safeguard their family's financial well-being and ensure a secure future. Investment Tips for Mom's in India Read More Mutual Funds - Diversify and Grow Your Wealth Mutual funds are an excellent choice for parents seeking diversification in their investment portfolios. These funds pool money from several investors to invest in a variety of asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. Managed by professional fund managers, mutual funds allow parents to benefit from their expertise and experience in making investment decisions. By spreading investments across different sectors and markets, mutual funds help reduce the risk associated with investing in individual stocks. Parents can choose from many types of mutual funds on the basis of their risk appetite and financial goals. For those seeking stability, bond funds can offer a regular income with lower volatility. On the other hand, equity funds offer an opportunity for capital appreciation through investments in stocks. Balanced funds offer a blend of both equity and bond investments, providing a balanced risk-return profile. By investing in mutual funds, parents can access professional investment management and enjoy the benefits of diversification. You can lay a strong foundation for your family's future by incorporating these investment plans into your financial strategy. Remember that investment decisions should align with your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon. It's always suggested as advice to seek guidance from financial advisors who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances. Conclusion  Investing wisely is an integral part of parental responsibility. By incorporating these five investment plans into your financial strategy, you can take proactive steps toward securing your child's future while also protecting your own financial well-being. Remember to conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and regularly review your investment portfolio to adapt to changing circumstances. By combining long-term vision with disciplined investment practices, you can build a strong financial foundation for your children, allowing them to chase their dreams with confidence. Start planning today and pave the way for a prosperous future for your family. Consult an Expert Advisor
5 Reasons why Global Education is the Best for Indian Students

5 Reasons why Global Education is the Best for Indian Students

It is universally acknowledged that education is a very powerful weapon. Education can transform an individual and colleges can broaden a child’s horizon. Every child deserves to receive a quality education. There are various reasons why global education is the best for Indian students. ‍From our experiences, we know that when a student receives a world-class education, it helps them become their best version – professionally and personally. Pursuing higher education outside of India seems to be promising in more ways than one. In this blog, we will talk about how studying abroad can affect your life for the better. Let's get started. 5 Reasons why Global Education is the best for Indian Students When you think about it, there are innumerable ways in which a global education can benefit an Indian student. In this article, we will talk about the 5 major ones. Let's get started. 1. Changes Your Life, for Good! International exposure to study at a foreign university and the experience of living in a new country can be life-changing! The combined power of both results in gaining practical knowledge that can help you in life immensely. Living alone in a foreign country can be daunting in the beginning, but it teaches you an immense number of values, and ethics, and not to mention, you become a pro chef! You learn what is not written in the textbooks. Such experiences also shape your personality and groom you as a responsible professional. 2. Holistic And not just Academic Development The Indian education system offers academic rigor. However, there still is room for improvement and development. The cut-offs in premier Indian colleges soar to touch the sky. But whether these colleges provide excellent holistic development is still a big question mark. Regardless of the foreign country you prefer to study in, most global universities focus on not just academics, but also professional qualifications, leadership, and personal development. Foreign programs have gained popularity because the faculty is invested in a student's all-around growth. 3. Opens closed doors Whether it is studying for a master's abroad or a Ph.D. – Foreign universities offer what you commonly don’t find in India. An array of courses across all fields and subjects like - Artificial Intelligence and Data Security or Criminology, and Media Relations. You name it and they have it. As per reports released by the USIEF, in 2019, Indians studying in the U.S. made up 17% of the international student population there. If you want to take the road less traveled or pursue a career in a highly specialized niche, global education opens closed doors. 4. Brighter Career Prospects ‍Indian students who have received good foreign education have an edge over others. You wonder why? Recruiters view international experience as an asset. It is reflective of many things like your skills to compete in a global setting and your ability to adapt to diverse cultures. Global education helps you hone your skills and grow exponentially. ‍After completing their degree, outstanding students can bag an international job as well. 5. Diversity They appreciate unique students. Many top-notch B-schools and other universities seek to promote diversity and inclusion. This means that the admissions team deliberately tries to encourage people from different walks of life to join the classroom. Highly reputed universities welcome meritorious international students. Some even try to strike a balance in their gender ratio thereby including talented girls and giving them an equal chance to fly. As the saying goes- "Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life!" Take the first step towards a brighter future. And, live the life of your dreams! FAQs Why is global learning important for students?   International exposure gained while studying at a foreign university and the experience of living in a new country can be life-changing! The combined power of both results in gaining practical knowledge that can help you immensely in life.  What is the value of global learning?   ‍Indian students who have received good foreign education have the edge over others. You wonder why? Recruiters view the international experience as an asset. It is reflective of many things like your skills to compete in a global setting and your ability to adapt to diverse cultures. International education helps you hone your skills and grow exponentially.  Why foreign education is better than Indian education?   They appreciate unique students. Many top-notch B-schools and other universities seek to promote diversity and inclusion. This means that the admissions team deliberately encourages people from different walks of life to join the classroom. Highly reputed universities welcome deserving international students.    Why do Indians prefer foreign education?   Indian students prefer foreign education because of many factors. Studying at an international university will give students great exposure in terms of meeting people from different cultures and countries. It will also create excellent employment opportunities abroad. Having studied at a foreign university will add value to a student’s resume.   Conclusion These are some of the major reasons why global education molds an individual for the better. In reality, there are many more points that one can consider. Whether it is the quality of education- or the experiences one attains, education abroad is a stepping stone toward untapped opportunities. We know many of us are now thinking, "What about the funds required to study abroad?". Well, saving up for higher education is not as hard as you think.
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