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Earlier we discussed the cookie jar investment method. In this article, we will discuss more investing options. Every investor wants to put their money into the best investment alternatives to get the best returns. Some people invest for financial security, while others meet their investment objectives.   Your investing alternatives are dependent on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, financial goals, and liquidity requirements.  In reality, risks and returns are precisely proportionate. That means the greater the risk, the greater the likelihood of returns will be. There are primarily two kinds of investment opportunities in the country.   That is financial and non-financial assets. We can further split financial assets into market-linked assets such as mutual funds, stocks, and ETFs. Some fixed-income products are bank FDs, PPFs, and Bank RDs.   Gold investments, real estate, Treasury bills, and other non-financial assets are also examples.   Let us now see which of these different investment options is suitable for India's various categories of investors.   Source: pexels Investment Options for Housewives   Housewives are often left behind in the race to make investments. However, there are many options in which a housewife can put her savings to grow her money.   Some of the best options are investments in direct equity (if they have a relative level of experience) and mutual funds. By investing in mutual funds, they can reap the benefits of professional management of their money and diversification of investment.   Investment in ETFs, bonds, and even PPFs are viable options to grow their savings over time steadily.  Investment options for salaried people  Salaried people often struggle with managing their expenses. As a salaried employee in India, you will have various investment opportunities to invest and increase your hard-earned money wisely.  Different instruments are available for investing ranging from traditional investment options like fixed deposits, recurring deposits, national pension schemes, and ULIPs to modern investment options such as investing in shares, cryptocurrencies, etc.   Investments in stocks and cryptocurrencies can provide returns as high as 10 to 15% per annum. At the same time, safer investment options include mutual investment in mutual funds like equity mutual funds and debt mutual funds.   Most risk-free investment options are bank fixed deposits, government bonds, etc. Salaried people have great potential to create wealth if they budget their expenses and investments.   Investment options for senior citizens  In old age, the thirst for returns is not as high as in youth. So, senior citizens usually need investment alternatives that mainly protect their money rather than growing it.   So, the need is for safe investment options. For elderly people over the age of 60, the Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme. It is one of the risk-free tax-saving investing choices available in the country.   It is one of the most significant investment ideas for seniors because they get a steady income in the form of a competitive interest rate of 8.6% per annum, making it a highly profitable investment option.  Another viable option is the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana. It is for elderly adults aged 60 and up and provides them with a guaranteed return of 7.4% p.a.; pension income is payable monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or yearly depending upon the option selected.   Some other instruments include the Post Office Monthly Income Scheme and National Pension Scheme.   Low-risk investment options  Investments with low risk are always popular because they do not exhibit unnecessary volatility, so investors have less worry about the undertaking.   Low-risk investment options include Fixed Deposits, National Savings Certificates, Public Provident Funds, National Pension Schemes, and Gold. All these investment options are primarily fixed-income type investments – guaranteeing a particular level of return.   Gold has historically risen in value through tough times and often proves to be a hedge against inflationary pressure in the economy.   Investment options for students   As a student, you usually do not have too much money, but the biggest thing you have is time – which you can use to your advantage. Also, as a young investor, you have the option to take a significantly higher risk in terms of your investment options.   Students can invest even fundamental amounts through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) every month in mutual funds, index funds, and ETFs. Acquiring knowledge about bond investment will also be beneficial.   Since students have a higher risk appetite, they can also mobilize a small part of their investment amounts into cryptocurrencies after thorough research. Since there is less expendable money, choosing free brokers or low-cost brokers is essential.   Using simple rules of spending, students can save and invest small amounts over a long period and thus, grow their wealth. Investing Options - Summarised 1. Equity Shares Direct equity investment, out of all the investment options covered here, delivers the best combination of stock appreciation and dividends.   When a long-time horizon (10 years or more) is taken into account, equity markets can be somewhat unpredictable in the short run, but they provide greater inflation-adjusted returns.   You can diversify your portfolio by purchasing stocks from companies in different industries, allowing you to account for economic growth in other sectors.   Equity is the riskiest asset class due to the unpredictability of global markets and the probability of sectoral instability. When markets crash during difficult economic circumstances, there is always the risk of significant capital wipe-out.   2. Equity Mutual Funds Mutual funds that invest in equities are known as equity mutual funds. Instead of buying individual stocks in a specific industry, you can buy a mutual fund that encompasses that industry's growth. These are less hazardous due to their diversified nature.   An equities mutual fund invests more than 65 percent of its assets in the stock market (according to SEBI rules). An equity mutual fund can be active or passive.   Fund management's expertise also influences these mutual funds' performance.   3. Debt Mutual Funds Debt mutual funds, as the name implies, invest most of their assets in debt instruments. These funds are appropriate for investors with a moderate risk appetite and desire for consistent returns.   Government bonds, corporate bonds, treasury bills, and other money market instruments are also in the portfolio of debt mutual funds. Low risk does not imply that there is no risk.   Credit risk and interest rate risk are two risks that you should be aware of before investing in debt mutual funds.   4. Fixed Deposits (FD) A bank FD is safer than practically every other investment choice. With a high level of safety comes a poor rate of return.   FDs are a method to maintain your money where it is (returns are often so low that they don't even keep up with inflation), not a strategy to increase it.   Depositors have protected up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh apiece in the event of a bank failure (under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation).   Bonds: Bonds are fixed-income securities representing a loan a borrower advanced to the investor. When governments or even listed companies want to raise money in the form of debt, they issue bonds to the public.   You can purchase these bonds in the bond market. Bonds offer fixed interest payments to the bondholders (a variable interest payment system is also there).   Bond prices and interest rates move in the opposite direction. At the time of maturity, the total principal has to be returned. There are different types of bonds, like government, corporate, and municipality bonds.    The risk of investment in bonds also arises from the possibility of potential inflation outstripping the rate of interest on the bonds.   Furthermore, when you buy bonds that are not well-rated, there remains a chance of default, wherein you might lose out on what you lent out.   5. National Pension Scheme (NPS) This investment vehicle is for people over 60. PMVVY offers a 7.4% annual guarantee.   Pension income, payable monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, or annually, with pension sums ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 9250, is available. With a 10-year duration, the maximum investment amount is Rs 15 lakh.   The senior citizen, or their nominee in the event of the senior citizen's death, receives the maturity amount.   6. Public Provident Fund (PPF) PPF is a tax-free (interest) investment that lasts for 15 years. The government reviews the interest in PPF accounts every quarter.   A PPF account can also be opened with a monthly contribution of Rs 500. PPF is a remarkably safe investment because the interest received is covered by a national guarantee.   7. Gold Gold is often known to be a safe haven for investors. In your portfolio, gold will operate as a hedge.   In the past, gold has proven to be a winner when the economy has been in the doldrums. Gold is an attractive investment in the long run because of its rising price.   Digital gold, sovereign gold bonds, gold ETFs, and physical gold are options for purchasing gold. It's also a highly liquid asset to own. FAQs What are some low-risk investment options? Some low-risk investment options include Fixed Deposits, National Savings Certificates, Public Provident Funds, National Pension Schemes, and Gold. These options offer a relatively stable return on investment and are less volatile. Which investment options are suitable for senior citizens? Senior citizens can consider investment options such as the Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, Post Office Monthly Income Scheme, and National Pension Scheme. These options provide steady income and are designed to protect their money. What investment options are suitable for salaried individuals? Salaried individuals have a range of investment options, including traditional options like fixed deposits, recurring deposits, national pension schemes, and ULIPs. They can also consider investing in stocks, cryptocurrencies, and mutual funds like equity and debt funds. What are the recommended investment options for students? Students with a higher risk appetite can consider investing in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds, index funds, and ETFs. They can also explore bond investments and allocate a small portion of their investment amount to cryptocurrencies. Using low-cost or free brokers is recommended for students with limited funds. TALK TO AN EXPERT

61% of Indian parents regret not saving sooner for their child’s education according to the HSBC Value of Education Report. So that you don’t have to shoulder this guilt, here are some of the key dos and don'ts of saving for child education. Do’s of saving for your child’s education 1. Find out how much higher education costs Before you start saving, know what and where your child wants to study. When you are planning to send your child overseas, you must be fairly certain of the choices being made in terms of a stream of study and the preferred country. The cost of education in Germany, for instance, is very low, as university courses are often government-funded. On the other hand, a 4-year undergrad course in the US can easily cost you Rs. 1 crore, depending on the college and its location. Getting an accurate assessment of the school can help you define your actual savings. Find the best education loan for a child's education Read More 2. Speak to counselors to better understand all the expenses involved When you make plans to send your child overseas, you are heading into a phase of your life that demands substantial funds and even some unplanned expenses. Find a counselor whom you trust, and spend time understanding all that goes into sending your child overseas. Also, keep in mind, that the expenses for higher education overseas begin long before your child even fills out the application form. So, make sure your account for all of that. 3. Starting early is the key to good savings Truth be told, the best time to start putting money away for your child’s education is as soon as the little bundle arrives. While most new parents are in a bubble of happiness when a baby is born, it is important to keep your financial head on your shoulders and plan out a saving mechanism that will put your money away automatically. The less you have to think about it, the more effectively you will do it. Also review your education fund every couple of years, tracking the current college rates, inflation, and your own life situations. This will help in recalibrating your savings procedures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNqwEZbjEvc 4. Put your money in high-growth investment options if you have the time If you are looking at a 15–20-year horizon, you should consider investing in Equities for the high growth that capital markets offer over the long term. The shorter your term, the lesser risk you will have to take for your investments. In the case of a 5–9-year duration, Mutual Funds are a good option and in the case of 4-5 years, you must ensure the safety of your capital. Debt Funds are your safest option. While the risk is low, you must remember that the returns also are low in these instruments. 5. Prepare for the rising cost of education Higher education rates operate independently of the consumer index and are usually higher than the standard inflation. When you define your value goal, keep this in mind. And regularly cross-check the laws for international and Indian students in the countries of your interest. Source: pixabay Don’ts of saving for your child’s education 1. Don’t select the wrong educational goal for your child This is key, constantly check on your child’s interests and capabilities. Just because you have been planning to have your child study Computer Science or Medicine at some Ivy League university, your child does not have to fall in line. Ensure the child is passionate about the course s/he is selecting. Sending your child to another country to do something s/he is not particularly fond of, is stressful emotionally and can result in a huge financial waste. So, think well before you start pushing your child towards any particular stream. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8N_u4C2rFU 2. Do not assume the education loan is easily available As the competition for overseas studies grows, the demand for education loans has bloomed. This simply means you are in the seller’s market, with not very extensive bargaining powers. Your loan application will have to meet several parameters before it is actually sanctioned. And at times, once the papers are processed, the institute may opt not to fund your entire expense. So do not blindly assume that you can always borrow this money. 3. Do not put all your money in one investment Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! This saying is a sworn truth in the investment sphere. Diversify your portfolio and back up your investments in the stock markets with sufficient insurance coverage. Plan for worst-case scenarios and revisit them often. Calculate College Cost 4. Don’t ignore the foreign currency changes International education is heavily dependent on foreign currency exchange. Track it carefully and update your plans on a regular basis. These days several global universities allow their students to do the initial semesters here in India and call the children over only for the last two or three semesters. This is a good option to consider if the foreign exchange rate is not in your favor. 5. Don’t use the education corpus for other emergency expenses Most of us are happy to see the money grow. But if you are investing in instruments that are easy to liquidate, you may often be tempted to encash this money in cases of emergency. Avoid doing it as much as you can. Higher education is an unavoidable and inevitable expense that every parent has to bear at some point in their life so why not prepare well for it? FAQs How do I save for my child's education? One of the most common questions among parents is how to save for their child's education. The best and most effective way is to invest in mutual funds, US ETFs, US stocks, etc. Within mutual funds, parents who have kids between the ages of 1-5 years should opt for equity-based mutual funds. These funds are great for long-term investors who are looking at 10-15 years of investment horizon. However, each plan depends on the parent's risk appetite, time horizon, and the final amount needed for their goal. How much money do I need for my kid's education? An easier way to find how much money you need is through the EduFund College Cost Calculator. The calculator helps you in 2 pertinent ways: It estimates the final cost of any course and college after adjusting it for inflation It customizes a plan based on when and where your child wants to study It suggests investment plans and even scholarships + education loans that can assist you in paying for the amount Why is it important to save money for my child's education? The average cost of education is increasing rapidly. Certain courses like medicine in private universities in India can cost you nearly 1 crore. If you are planning to send your child abroad then need to think of currency exchanges, LRS limits on spending, accommodation costs, and even expensive flight tickets. All these factors are important to consider while creating a corpus. TALK TO AN EXPERT

In the previous article, we read about why choose SIP to save for your child’s higher education. In this article, we will read the best time to start investing in your child’s education.  As an Indian parent, you aim to prioritize your child’s needs before yourself and strive to provide them with all the comfort and luxury in the world. Eventually, all the comfort you bring to your child’s life exemplifies how protective you are of them. And, out of all the beautiful things that you do for them, education is the greatest gift you give.   Yet quality education comes at a high cost, especially in an economic climate that is affected by the global economic crisis and political turmoil. These events affect your purchasing power, devalue your savings and affect your lifestyle and future needs. The only way to escape this vicious cycle is through smart planning and saving on time.   Why is it important to save and invest early in your child’s education?   The simple answer is inflation. Inflation in the education sector is escalating at a scary rate. It is painful to see that your hard-earned money will likely lose its value over time and may not suffice to protect your child’s future. Thus, the earlier you start planning your child’s education journey, the better it will be for their bright future.  In other words, it's time to not only save but grow your money to meet the needs of the future. Investing enables you to increase your money and retain your purchasing power. However, you must invest smartly.  There are several aspects associated with investing. The two main factors that affect your investment strategy are Risk and Return. The general rule of investing is higher risk and higher return. Based on your risk appetite, and short-term and long-term needs, you can accumulate your desired corpus over time. Another powerful rule of investing lies in longevity; the longer you stay invested, the greater your reward.  Here is how investing early can yield greater returns  Kartik is blessed with a baby girl. After a month of her birth, he chooses to invest a monthly SIP of Rs. 5,000 at 10% for 20 years. This way, he makes a total investment of Rs. 12,00,000 over the said period.   On the other hand, his friend Pratyush waits for his son to reach the age of 10 to start investing. He invests the same amount at the same rate of return but for a smaller period. He makes a total investment of Rs. 6,00,000 over ten years.   When their kids attain the age of 20, Kartik receives an accumulated corpus of Rs. 38,28,485. Whereas, Pratyush receives Rs. 10,32,760 as a return on investment. The growth rate for Kartik has been 3.2 times the investment, whereas Pratyush could receive only 1.72 times. But why is there a vast disparity despite the same amount of investment?   The disparity is a result of time. The longer your money stays invested, the more you get in return. That’s the magic of compounding! So, the best time to invest in your child’s higher education is NOW!  The longer your money stays invested, the more rewards you yield. Let’s find out what are the benefits of early investing.   4 benefits of early investing   1. Time Value of Money  When we talk of money and investing, time is an invaluable asset. The amount and the duration for which your money stays invested contribute significantly to the education corpus. The longer it stays invested, the higher return you get.   2. Acceleration through Compounding  Compounding is the return that you get on your return. It means you don’t just get the return on what you spend out of your pocket but also what you earn from it. As a result, your corpus gets richer with time.   3. Manageable Sums  You can start your investment journey early with a manageable sum. A delay would put an unnecessary burden on your pocket. Whether you start early or later, you need to save to meet the growing cost of education. Why put yourself into unnecessary trouble?  4. Higher scope for modification  In the above example, Kartik had assumed Rs. 40,00,000 to be the cost of his daughter’s higher education. However, when her daughter is ten years old, he realizes that the price may rise to Rs. 50,00,000. This situation will not bother him much because he can quickly meet the increased requirements. But things would not go the same way for Pratyush because he will have a considerable gap to fill just because he started late.  The education industry is highly competitive; over the last three decades, the cost of higher education jumped more than 500%.To ensure your child has all the amenities and a bright education, you need to start working on your savings. Our advice is to start easy, start small, but start early! Consult an advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

As a parent, it is essential to consider the benefits of providing your child a high-quality education. Enrolling your child in a distinguished university increases the returns on their schooling and distinguishes their career.   At the same time, choosing an institute that aligns with your child’s profile is a task of utmost importance. Some would even call it the make-or-break decision.   A review by Matthew Mayhew and his co-authors of 1800 research studies reflects on how the selected college could affect your child in various ways economically, socially, psychologically, and intellectually.   In a world of IIMs and IITs, it would be wise to know: If these are suitable options for your child Are these your only options?   To ensure that your child is part of an academic environment that nurtures their unique faculties, take note of the following.  Top-ranked colleges are not necessarily the best-fit college  There is a widely-held misconception that top-ranked colleges are the absolute best. While there is merit in these famous universities being labeled as great institutions; the rank may not be the best metric of “fit.”   Popular websites that rank colleges have a set of parameters that they consider while ranking them from top to bottom. The criteria considered can vary from website to website, and these are not specific to the individual preferences of each student and, therefore, can be highly generalized.   Brand value is another main factor that plays a significant role in deciding between different universities for parents and students. The brand value varies from region to region.   It depends on the portrayal of a college to a specific audience. Having alumni from a particular university in a social circle can also influence the decision to pick a university for many parents and students. So, parents and students may choose which is the best university rather than the best-fit university for them. Source: Pexels What is the best-fit college?   The best-fit college for one student is hardly ever the best-fit college for another, even if the course of study is ordinary for them both. Two top colleges that offer the same principle can be completely different choices for these students.   While one college could provide a great deal of work experience while studying, the other can be a traditional college that entirely focuses on academics.   It is significant for every student and parent to understand which environment will work best in the future. Thus, a parent can choose the best-fit college for their child only after they know what their child expects from a college, especially as a contribution to their future career.     What to consider while choosing the best-fit college?   Before shortlisting options, parents and students need to discuss what they’re expecting out of a university. If flexibility in courses is a choice for the students in, then the UK may not be the best place.   Most UK colleges demand students choose the course they want to study before admission and continue to learn the subject throughout their period in college. However, many colleges in the US offer students more flexibility when choosing their courses.   Students should also account for the teaching methodology of colleges. Some colleges offer one on one attention to students and demand they work on each chapter after a few lectures and discuss it with their tutors weekly or regularly.   Such colleges may work for students who like to be regularly taken care of. However, if a student prefers to attend large lectures, conduct their research, and prepare for exams on their own, these colleges that offer special attention to each student may not be the best fit for them.   Students should also look beyond academics while zeroing in on a college. Some of the main factors that should be studied are opportunities for internships, extra-curricular activities, the scope for exploring sports and the infrastructure to support it, and community involvement. These days universities also look beyond students' academic achievements while screening their applications. They look at their interests, how they perceive the world, why, and more.  A few colleges also expect essays about how students plan to explore different campus facilities.     Most importantly, how your budget accommodates the best fit is a significant factor to consider before sending out applications. Know the total cost of education over the usual academic costs. Consider expenses related to accommodation, food, commute, outside campus activities, internship costs, etc. Parents should assess if their family can afford these fees and if they need a scholarship or loan to lighten the loan on their finances. FAQs What factors should I consider to find the best-fit college? To ensure that you've chosen the best-fit college for yourself, check if the college's ranking, location, ROI, curriculum, faculty, crowd, fees, scholarships, and other facilities match your preference. If it does, then you have landed on the right choice. If not, do more research. How do I start looking for the best-fit college? First and foremost, decide on a subject that you want to pursue and a country you want to study in. Then, make a list of colleges and put them into different categories based on affordability, admission difficulty, ranking, ROI, housing facilities, location, etc. Once done, start applying. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is possibly the most commonly followed financial market index globally. Yet, very few people know that it represents just 30 businesses.  The DJIA's Beginnings  The Dow Jones Industrial Average was set up on May 26, 1896. Charles H. Dow, one of the founders of Dow Jones & Company, came up with the Dow (formed in 1882).  The first Dow Jones index was constituted in 1884. There were 11 transportation-related stocks in the portfolio. The original index was called the Dow Jones Rail Average.   The Dow Jones Transportation Average was created in the 1970s to include air freight and other modes of transportation.  Dow soon discovered that industrial companies grew in value faster than railroads. He then created a new index by combining the stocks of 12 different companies.   It was dubbed the Dow Jones Industrial Average by Charles. Initially, it was the average of industrial firms in the cotton, sugar, tobacco, and gas industries. What is Dow Jones Industrial Average? The Dow Jones industrial average is a stock market index that tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA).  Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), usually known as "the Dow Jones" or simply "the Dow," is one of the most well-known stock market indicators.   It tracks the daily stock market movements of 30 publicly traded firms in the United States, either on the NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The 30 publicly-held corporations are among the economic leaders in the United States.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average components  There are no set criteria for a business's inclusion in DJIA's 30 company stocks. However, to be included in the DJIA, a corporation must make up a significant portion of its business in the US economy.   The corporation should also be registered on NASDAQ or NYSE and belong to the industrial sector's top players. CompanyStock Ticker SymbolIndustryLatest Addition to Index3MMMMConglomerate1976 / 08 / 09American ExpressAXPFinancial Services1982 / 08/ 30AppleAAPLTech2015 / 03 / 19BoeingBAAerospace1987 / 03 / 12CaterpillerCATConstruction1991 / 05 / 06ChevronCVXOil & Gas2008 / 02 / 19CiscoCSCOTech2009 / 06 / 08Coca-ColaKOFood and Beverages1987 / 03 / 12DisneyDISEntertainment1991 / 05 / 06DowDuPont IncDWDPChemical Industry2017 / 09 / 01Exxon MobilXOMOil & Gas1928 / 10 / 01Goldman SachsGSFinancial Services2013 / 09 / 20Home DepotHDRetail1999 / 11 / 01IBMIBMTech1976 / 06 / 29IntelINTCTech1999 / 11 / 01Johnson & JohnsonJNJPharmaceuticals1997 / 03 / 17JPMorgan ChaseJPMFinancial Services1991 / 05 / 06McDonald'sMCDFood1985 / 10 / 30Merck & CompanyMEKPharmaceuticals1979 / 06 / 29MicrosoftMSFTTech1999 / 11 / 01NikeNKEApparel2013 / 09 / 20PfizerPFEPharmaceuticals2004 / 04 / 08Procter & GamblePGConsumer Goods1932 / 05 / 26Travelers Companies IncTRVInsurance2009 / 06 / 08United TechnologiesUTXConglomerate1939 / 03 / 14UnitedHealthUNHManaged Health Care2012 / 09 / 24VerizonVZTelecom2004 / 04 / 08VisaVFinancial Services2013 / 09 / 20WalMartWMTRetail1997 / 03 / 17Walgreens Boots AllianceWBARetail2018 / 06 / 26 How are stocks weighed?  The DJIA is a price-weighted indicator – it means that businesses with more costly stocks are given more weight in the Dow. Market capitalization, the entire market value of all of a company's shares, is not factored into the DJIA's price weighting.   As a result, corporations with fewer pricey shares have a more significant impact on the Dow's value than companies with a large number of less expensive shares.  The Dow's strategy differs from other prominent indexes that measure the stock market's overall performance, such as the S&P 500 or the NASDAQ. When evaluating how much influence a firm will have in an index, these take its market capitalization into account.  What is the best way to invest in the Dow Jones Industrial Average? The DJIA can be used as a proxy for the overall performance of the US economy because its constituents are among the most significant public corporations. Many investors prefer index funds modeled on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.   Finally, If you purchase a new stake in a DJIA index fund, you have exposure to all 30 Dow components in your portfolio giving you simple access to businesses with a demonstrated track record of profitability and sound business practices. FAQs What is meant by the Dow Jones Industrial Average? Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), usually known as "the Dow Jones" or simply "the Dow," is one of the most well-known stock market indicators.   It tracks the daily stock market movements of 30 publicly traded firms in the United States, either on the NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Why is it called the Dow Jones Industrial Average? The Dow Jones Industrial Average was set up on May 26, 1896. Charles H. Dow, one of the founders of Dow Jones & Company, came up with the Dow. It is named after its founder. How are stocks weighed in Dow Jones Industrial Average?  The DJIA is a price-weighted indicator – it means that businesses with more costly stocks are given more weight in the Dow. Consult an expert advisor to find the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

Life becomes easier and more manageable with planning. A very important part of a happy and balanced life is managing your finances well. This responsibility becomes manifold if you have a family to provide for. Prioritizing the prior planning of your child’s college education can make your retirement life effortless and stress-free. Put away savings to preserve wealth. Invest money to generate more wealth. At the end of the day, gaining that fine balance between your savings, investments, and spending habits is what will secure a beautiful future for you as well as your family. Here are some pro tips on how to invest and save for your children’s college education. 1. When to start? Timing is everything. The logic is simple - the earlier you start, the more wealth you can generate and accumulate. You may begin as early as the family planning stage itself. Even if you do not have a clear sight of the stream of academics your child might pursue later in life, it does not hurt to put away money. As your child grows up, they might decide upon what line of academics they want depending on their career goals. Your savings will come in handy in reassuring your child that you are perfectly prepared to back them in realizing their dreams as there will already be a considerable amount of funds they can count on. 2. Compartmentalise your savings The habit of saving money regularly is one of the healthiest habits one can inculcate. But mastering the art of saving requires self-regulation and a sense of organization. Putting away a bulk of money indiscriminately is not the most effective way of saving. Keep track of your expenses and your income; device upon an amount you can afford to put away as savings. Make a list of all the things you need to save for - emergencies, education, health, housing, and so on. Divide your savings accordingly. The act of compartmentalizing savings can also be effective in regulating your spending habits. You can also inculcate this healthy habit in your child from an early age by encouraging them to save money from their monthly allowances. 3. Consider different investment options Investing is always an improvement upon saving because investments can generate new wealth. Thus, it is not enough to just put away money as savings; you also need to allocate funds to certain investments that suit your monetary goals. There are different kinds of investment channels you can opt for. Some of us prefer fixed or recurring deposits while others want to generate more returns and go for mutual funds. Mutual funds can be of different types depending on the factors like the amount of risk, duration, return rates, etc. The mode of payment can also vary. For example, you can go for a one-time investment or you can choose monthly SIPs. Be well aware of all kinds of investment plans available so that you can choose the best one for yourself. 4. Invest in a global education Your savings and money made from investments will be especially useful when you send your child abroad to pursue a college education. Even if you are not sure about the possibility of global education in the future, it is always advisable to remain prepared for the same. Simply saving money is not enough. Investing is a better idea and in the case of global education, it can be beneficial to invest in foreign stocks. This is because the value of the Indian currency is forecasted to fall in comparison to other stable currencies in the world. This means that the cost of living and studying abroad will be way higher than the cost of living and studying in a new city within India. Once you set your financial goals, find out about investment schemes with international equity funds from countries like the US, so that you can make money in a more stable currency. Conclusion There can be several investment goals relating to different parts of your life like yourself, your spouse, relatives, housing and accommodation, health, gadgets, and emergencies. Mixing these up will only cause chaos and distress. Hence, it is important to think separately about saving for your children’s college education and indulge in smart investments. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

If you’re up for an adventure that not only is going to be adventurous and fun but is also going to add immense value to your future, education abroad is right up your alley. And while there are plenty of options with countries and universities, we wanted to list down our top picks to make your job considerably easier. Here are our top picks for the best places to study overseas! 1. France  Known for its rich cultural heritage and the ever-glowing Eifel, France is also one of the top picks for Indian students wanting to study abroad. The attraction isn’t limited to the glorious scapes that the country has to offer but also universities like the European International University, INSEAD Paris, and HEC Paris.  Photo by Pixabay from Pexels 2. Spain  Everyone in India was wowed by the Spanish nostalgia that ZNMD and Zoya Akhtar brought us. While Spain is a great country to relax and explore on your vacation, it is also growing in popularity in terms of higher education for international students. Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels The country is home to some world-renowned universities like the University of Barcelona which was established in the 15th century, the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics, IE Business School in Madrid, and more!  3. Australia  The world-down-under welcomes hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world to its major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. The culture is welcoming toward the student community with exciting experiences to offer.  Photo by Patrick McLachlan from Pexels The popular universities include the University of Melbourne which has a populous Indian student community, RMIT University that’s famous for its journalism and media offerings, Monash University which finds its place consistently among the top 100 universities in the world, and many more!  4. Germany  As one of the most attractive education destinations in the world, Germany brags about International students from all over the world. From the public transportation system to the healthcare facilities, everything is made pleasant and convenient for students.  Photo by Leon from Pexels The universities that attract the most students from abroad are public universities like the University of Cologne, Technical University of Berlin, and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich which date back to the 15th century! 5. Canada  Canadian cities find themselves ranked among the most desirable cities in the world for students for their hearty communities as well as scholastic offerings. A progressive culture, plenty to explore, and internationally ranked universities are the reasons why Canada is on the wishlist of most students.  Photo by Burst from Pexels The University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta are counted among the best universities that Canada has to offer.  6. The United States  The home of the brave is also home to some of the best universities in the world. The USA is home to top-ranking colleges like Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and the entire Ivy League. What the US offers is not restricted to just education but the enormous opportunities that come with it. You can see yourself working your way up to Wall Street or establishing your own business in the business hub of the world.  Photo by Michal Marek from Pexels Each one of the 50 states has a distinguished university to offer and a culture that would enhance your own understanding of the world. One thing is for certain, when there is a break between classes, you’ll always find plenty to explore.  7. The United Kingdom The United Kingdom is home to football, cricket, and brilliant universities that are centuries old and still extremely relevant. University towns adorn the map of England, Wales, and Ireland. The top names include Oxford University, London School of Economics, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, and more!  Photo by Pixabay from Pexels While the UK might seemingly be more expensive than the rest of the world, you always can count on affordable education loans because a UK education is an experience that’s well worth it and can set you up for a promising career.  Conclusion  That was our list of the best places to study overseas and you’ve hopefully found a favorite or two from our list. The next steps are important once you’ve narrowed down a country, you’d need counseling to consider your options and choose your best-fit university and more.  EduFund helps students fund their dream education with affordable education loans that do not burden them in the long term. You can fill in this simple form to get a free counseling session from some of the top experts in India to get started on your overseas education dream! TALK TO OUR EXPERTS! FAQs What are some affordable options for countries to study abroad? Some of the cheapest countries to study abroad are Germany, Mexico, Poland, Argentina, South Africa, Malaysia, etc. Which is the best country to study abroad for Indian students? Each student has their preference when it comes to studying abroad. So, one answer or country can't be the choice of all students. However, if we go by data, the top preference for Indian students is usually the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, etc. What are some best countries to study abroad and settle in? Some of the top options to study abroad and settle after that are New Zealand, Spain, Thailand, Canada, etc.

University admission interviews can often seem daunting and intimidating as a young student that’s about to enroll.”What questions will they ask?” “What if I answer wrong?” Don’t worry, university interviews are often not half as bad as you imagine. In fact, they’re a great way for you to touch base with those already working at the university and set expectations for what you will get out of the course, in terms of growth and future prospects.  To help you navigate these questions and come out on top, here are some of the most common interview questions asked during university admissions -  1. Why have you chosen this university? This isn’t a trick question or an opportunity for the candidate to appease the interviewers. Instead, it’s a genuine chance to explain why you chose the specific university you’re interviewing for, and what makes it special as compared to the other choices out there. It could be as simple as the fact that it is relatively close to where you reside, or because they offer a specific program that you’re looking for. Either way, make sure to be open and honest about the reason why you have chosen this particular university, and you should be good to go! 2. How did you enjoy high school? Interviewers ask this question for many reasons. Firstly, they would like to get to know a little background about you and how you fared during high school, from your point of view. Secondly, they are looking to hear about your general perception of educational institutions to get an idea of how you might perceive universities in the future. Remember to be careful about your criticism, and definitely avoid bad-mouthing your high school, as these are red flags to university admission interviewers. 3. Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses This is an interesting question that can reveal a lot about you. Avoid the worn-out, “I’m a perfectionist” and “I work too hard”, answers that the interviewers have heard before. Instead, choose, to be honest about your weaknesses and come forward with a truthful answer like, “I struggle with deadlines”. They will appreciate it much more, and you won’t feel like you’ve had to lie in an interview. 4. Do you have a role model? Here’s an interesting question that will allow you to speak more about the people you look up to. Maybe you’re pursuing a literature course and greatly look up to a renowned author. This is your chance to show the interviewer that you have role models in line with your aspirations, making it far more likely that you will complete the course and pursue a career in your chosen field. 5. What are your goals? This is your chance to be open and honest with the university about what you aim to achieve with your time there. Remember to leave nothing on the table and be clear about your dreams and goals, no matter how outlandish they may be. You never know how many candidates before you might have shared similar goals as you have now. You might even hear interesting accounts of past alumni that have already achieved the goals that you currently aspire to. 6. Where do you see yourself on completion of this course? This a very important question that you can definitely expect to be asked during your interview. With this question, interviewers are looking to find out what your endgame is, and how you plan to progress after you’ve graduated from the university. This is where they will get a chance to set your expectations straight if needed and find out how motivated to complete the course you are. Also, they’re looking to understand whether or not you are trying to pursue a career in a field related to the course of your study. 7. How do you wish to expand your skills with this course? This question might be a little more challenging to answer, considering you are likely a candidate that is just starting with the university. However, it is an opportunity for the interviewer to understand how you wish to grow and learn during your university study. Feel free, to be honest, and speak about the things that you would like to improve about yourself, and try and tie this into any weaknesses you might have mentioned about yourself earlier as a way to negate them. Conclusion While Universities don’t expect you to have all the answers upfront, make sure you do your due diligence by researching topics related to these questions. You want to come across as someone who is well prepared and informed about the university and their own goals and aspirations about the course you’re enrolling into. The more knowledgeable you appear, the more likely you are to ace the interview and land a seat in the university of your dreams. And to get you better prepared, EduFund is here to bring you the best education counselors in the country. They do their best to get you confident about the interview along with helping you with all the insider knowledge to give you an edge. FAQs What are some good questions that I can ask a university during admissions? You can ask questions about the diversity on the college campus; its achievements in sports, science, or any other field of your interest; the number of graduates attending the college, the school rating, their anti-ragging policies, etc. How can I impress a university during admissions? To impress a university during admissions, you have to be prepared. Research your course and school well; compile all the relevant documents well; show your previous work/ internship/ volunteering experience; have a sound statement of purpose; show originality in your application; add or improve on your relevant skills, etc. What do universities look for in a student? The answer varies from university to university. However, there are a few characteristics that every university wants in its students. Universities want students who either excel or show signs of excelling in their fields. They look for students who are dedicated to their field of education and show great promise. For a detailed answer, it would be a good idea to ask this question to your interviewer at the end of the interview.

Stressed about going abroad to study at your dream college? Wondering how to better plan your education abroad? Then, take a deep breath and let all the negativity flow out. Next, formulate a plan to go about the whole process in the most systematic way possible. There are a few intrinsic steps involved in this journey. We have made a list right here that can help you set your goals right and achieve them one at a time.   Top 10 Ways to plan your education abroad 1. A Basic plan  Every journey begins with a basic course of action. Sometimes journeys appear more difficult than they are and this is often the case with education abroad. Charting out what you want to do demystifies the complications, it offers you clarity on what you must do next and how much time you have to do it. When global education is involved, usually the course of action starts with deciding which part of the world you want to study. The following points can help you form a well-structured plan before you get started.  2. Looking up universities  Once you decide which places you are interested in, the next step is to make a list of universities and colleges. Make sure to put down the names of institutions that have crossed your mind. In fact, you can prepare separate priority lists - one for your dream colleges and another for institutions that can offer your desired course or potential research supervisor. This way, through newer shortlists you can reach the final list as you do more research on each college.  3. Time management  While noting down the names of the universities and colleges, make sure to also look up their application deadlines. Knowing the deadlines for submitting applications is what will give an ultimate edge to your course of action. Now you will have an idea about the approximate number of days you have in your hands to prep yourself. Usually, the date for submission of applications comes under the same month. Not knowing the deadlines is what creates all the stress and confusion. But once you are aware of them, you can be confident and focus on making optimum use of it in gathering resources, and money and developing your skills.   4. Savings  Going abroad is a costly affair. Knowing how much time you have on your hands also lets you calculate how much money you can save. The income-expenditure ratio also becomes important in deciding how much money you can put away as savings. Start saving as soon as you can. Even if you are not sure about going abroad for your higher education, it is still advisable to put away money in general for education. On deciding to pursue a global education, make note of the tuition fee, cost of living, and other miscellaneous expenses that might be incurred during your stay there. This gives you clarity on how much you will need to save.  5. Investment  Be it education or any other significant event in your life, investing is always an improvement upon saving money. Savings do not generate more wealth, investments do. You can look up different mutual fund schemes to know which one will be the best for you. Fixed deposits have a certain rate of interest, but mutual fund schemes usually offer more than that. You are also advised to start investing in foreign exchange stocks like US stocks to make up for the depreciating value of the Indian currency and the subsequent rise in the cost of pursuing education abroad.   6. Building Credit  Another financial aspect that is quite understated is the importance of building credit. Building and maintaining a good credit score can go a long way in availing you of the best deals in loans with negotiable rates of interest. It is also crucial to start young and early, for example, with education loans or simply with credit cards. When the time comes to go abroad, your impressive credit score will make you qualified for the student loan that can support your global education.    7. Scholarships  An important thing you are required to look up while checking out different institutions is the scholarships that apply to you. In a lot of cases, deserving candidates can avail themselves of different scholarships that pay their tuition fee or at least a considerable part of it. In the case of research, you might enjoy deductions on the tuition fee from the institution itself, alongside receiving a stipend. Read up thoroughly about these international scholarships and the criteria or qualifications required to avail of them.  8. Building Contacts  The process of building contacts is something you should ideally get started with while you are in the stage of planning the basic course of action. Taking the advice of peers or seniors who have already been through this process can offer perspective and useful information to ease up the journey for you. Later, you might have to build contacts with the faculty member(s) of certain institutions that you are aiming to get into. This is usually the case for research scholars and falls under the application procedure.  9. Skill Development  Skill Development takes into account prepping for the final application submission as well as becoming sharper at the subject you are going to pursue. Deciding to pursue global education is sometimes synonymous with entering tough competition. Make sure you are doing your best in presenting yourself to the world as a deserving candidate. Skill development also takes into account clearing the examinations that are often recommended or mandated by some institutions as proof of your worthiness. These include SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and so on.    10. Preparing for Applications & Interviews  Last comes the main procedure - that of submitting applications and attending interviews. As scary as it sounds, once you are done with all of the above, you will find yourself to be more at peace and confident to brave it all. Institutions might require you to submit essays or answer questions alongside the submission of the SOP and the main application. There might be interviews on a group or individual basis. Find out about these things beforehand so that you can be well-prepared when the time comes.    Conclusion The correct way to simplify a complicated procedure is to break it down into small parts and set short-term goals that make it look doable. The thought of pursuing global education can make you anxious at first but with the right plan, you can ace it.  EduFund is your partner through and through, whether it is guidance that you need or student loans, we're here for you. FAQs How can I make my application better for studying abroad? Start early. Be honest with your details, especially with your SOP. Show your involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, and work experience. Add letters of recommendation from your teachers, counselors, employers, etc. How do I motivate myself to work on a better plan for education abroad? You can motivate yourself by constantly reminding yourself of the great educational and career opportunities that await you after you complete your studies. You'll have a whole new experience of living in a different country, miles away from home. You'll be able to learn great things about different cultures, share your culture with others, make new friends, learn a new language, and find great employment opportunities. What skills do I need to develop to study abroad? In order to not only get admission abroad but also successfully manage to thrive there, you must develop the following skills - Independence, adaptability, communication skills, cultural awareness, budgeting, time management, networking, flexibility, etc.

Parenting is a responsibility, and there are no two ways about it. The education and experiences of your child are primary to the kind of person your child becomes. Their success, wisdom, and understanding of the world are dependent on education. It begins with their schooling and continues to rely heavily on higher education and beyond. When something is crucial to the well-being of your child, you ought to plan and plan early.  Education planning necessities  An education plan for your child has two essentials. One is the decision-making process that involves choosing the right school, college, and university, and the second is the financial aspect of funding the desired degrees. The decisions your child takes (with your consult) about studying at a particular university are driven by research and counseling - and they’re mostly left to the last couple of years before university.  The finances, however, require wise long-term investments and insight. To realize this undertaking, we have to first calculate the many expenses of higher education and the eventual corpus you would need to fund your child’s dreams.  Calculate costs better with helpful tools Calculating the cost of college education ten to fifteen years in the future might feel burdensome, so it is better to use tools like the education cost calculator on the EduFund app. The smart calculator accounts for education inflation - the increase in tuition and living expenses year on year.  Accounting for education inflation Education inflation can be understood with a simple example. An MBA from a reputed institution in India like IIM Bangalore cost around 10 lacs in 2010, and now the same exact degree will cost about 23 lacs in 2021. The education inflation in the last decade in India was more than double the general inflation. Education inflation across the world has been similar and is currently on the rise.  On the EduFund app, you just have to enter the details of your child, possible universities they’d want to go to and the year they’d begin university. The calculator will give you an accurate estimate of the amount you would need when your child is ready for college. This becomes your north star, your investment goal for your child’s dream education.  Investment advice from the wise Once you have the goal calculated, the next step is to start an investment plan where you invest a certain amount every month (the EduFund calculator will give you this amount as well) into an investment vehicle that can give you good returns. If you’re new to investing, it would be wise to get in touch with a wealth advisor who can guide you.  If you have plans for your child to study at the top universities in the world, a wealth advisor would encourage you to diversify your portfolio by investing in the US markets.  Advantages of investing in US markets  Ever since Indian independence, the rupee has gradually depreciated compared to the US dollar. This is the reason why exchange rates remain a nightmare even when we’re thinking of a small vacation to the US or Europe. Now imagine studying there for a few years and those expenses, and the burden that exchange rates could then be.  The solution? Invest in the US markets and save in dollars in order to spend in dollars.  The US markets are mature, with some of their large-cap companies holding a valuation of over a trillion dollars. Additionally, the US indices like the S&P 500 have delivered consistently good returns for over six decades.   1. Geographical diversification  If there is one investment lesson that most of us are familiar with, it has to be not putting all your eggs in one basket. This lesson doesn’t just end with investing in multiple companies in diverse fields but also includes investing in geographically diverse markets.  Often, the Indian market experiences ups and downs based on regional factors that include politics, regime changes, natural disasters, and more. A portfolio that isn’t geographically diversified would be heavily affected by these.  To counter this, investing in the US markets is an obvious solution as the market sentiments that affect the Indian markets rarely have an effect on the US markets.  2. More than one way to earn returns When you start investing for your child’s education in the US markets, you’re gaining in two ways - first by the dividends and capital appreciation, and second, with the depreciation trend of the rupee. You have a strong possibility of getting more rupees for every dollar in the long term.  With so many obvious advantages to look forward to, the only hardships stopping Indian parents from investing in the US were the lack of accessibility and the long paperwork. Thankfully now, platforms like EduFund make this process simple and convenient. No paperwork. No long waiting periods. No confusion.  FAQs Where can I invest money in education? There are many ways to invest in education. From mutual funds to the US market, the choices are unlimited. Depending on your risk appetite and time horizon, you can pick the best funds and investment options with the help of a financial advisor. With the cost of education rising, mutual funds, our US stocks, and ETFs are great investment choices for parents who have over 10 years of investment ahead of them. How to invest in US markets? As an Indian investor, you can invest in US markets with the help of a foreign or domestic broker or directly. Where should I invest money to get good returns for students? To fetch good returns, the best investment options are investing in mutual funds, the US market via stocks and ETFs, PPF, and government programs like Sukanya Samriddhi Program. Conclusion Someone wise once said that an investment in education pays the best dividends. We understand that every parent wants their child to have more opportunities than they did, and greater resources at their disposal than they did. With time by your side, some discipline, and the power compounding, it is easily possible. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Remember the old children’s fable about the ant and the grasshopper? The ant planned for the future and saved up food and resources. Meanwhile, the grasshopper decided to live in the moment and enjoy the spring.  Then, when winter came, the ant was warm, well-fed, and secure. The grasshopper, not so much. As new parents, you may feel like you have years and years left to make education plans for your children’s future. But do you? Or are you setting yourself up for the grasshopper’s fate? Long-term plans are the best way to produce high and reliable returns; the earlier you start, the better.  An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.”  Benjamin Franklin Creating a solid education plan for your children is the best investment you can do for them. But what does education planning in India entail?  Image by Andreas Wohlfhart on Pexels 1. Savings only go so far ‘Well’, you say, ‘we already have a savings account in our child’s name. Do we need to do more?’ The answer is yes because savings only go so far. While they are great as an emergency fund to cushion you in a sudden financial crisis, when creating an education fund for your child, they fall short. The main reason for this is, savings do not generate wealth. A savings account helps you preserve and protect the money you already have, but the interest on these accounts is not enough to generate wealth in the long run. Meanwhile, the costs of education in India and abroad continue to rise. If you have plans of sending your child to study abroad, simply saving will not help you. Investing, on the other hand, is an instrument of wealth generation. By putting your money in assets that appreciate over time, you are compounding your wealth instead of simply holding it idle. Investments also offer higher returns, helping you reach your financial goals quicker and much more easily.  2. Always plan for inflation Education costs are rising. Tuition fees for college abroad are rising even more. According to Forbes, the cost of an undergraduate degree in the United States has risen by almost 500% between 1985-86 and 2017-18. This is even higher than the rate of inflation in the US in the same time period.  Keeping these numbers in mind, your plans for your child’s future must keep this inflation in mind, especially if you want them to study abroad. This is another reason why savings are not a good option for child investment plans. As the value of money depreciates due to inflation, your savings lose value. You may have Rs.5 Lakhs saved right now for your child’s future, but the value of Rs. 5 Lakhs will have changed in the next 10-15 years. Will your savings be as valuable or useful for you or your child then? Likely not.  A much better way of combating inflation is investing your money in assets that are likely to appreciate over time. This way instead of devaluing your money, inflation can help you generate more wealth. If you want to invest in stocks and bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc., are an easy way for beginners to ease into the market. 3. Sips can be your friend SIPs, also known as Systematic Investment Plans, enable you to invest in mutual funds on a regular and timely basis. SIPs help in creating a regular mode through which you can invest small sums, periodically, instead of a large lump sum, all at once. This is an invaluable advantage for small investors because it enables you to invest when you may not have a lot of capital on hand. You can start a SIP investment scheme for child education for as little as Rs. 100 a month.  SIPs are ideal for long-term investment and goal-based investment planning. After all, regular investments are key to long-term financial planning. By keeping faith and investing regularly, even if the markets fall temporarily, your investments will rise in the long term when the markets are correct. This was the experience of SIP mutual fund investors who continued to invest in their plans during the 2008 recession. SIPs also offer automatic deductions which ensure you never miss an installment.  4. Consult a professional So how do you start investing for your child’s future? Beginners may find the stock market too complicated, too intimidating, and too risky at first. But don’t go hiding in your comfortable cocoon of savings just yet. It is true that investing comes with market risks, but if you have the right people and the right advice by your side, you can create a foolproof investment strategy.  Think about it this way, when your child is thinking about applying for colleges but is unsure of which college or degree will be the best fit for them, what do you do? You may offer them your own input and advice, and encourage them to talk to friends, seniors, teachers, etc. You may also hire a professional education counselor to offer counseling and advice with EduFund.  Similarly, when you are unsure of yourself and about how to start investing in your child’s education goals, consult a professional. If you are worried about the high fees a professional financial advisor may charge, you can look into consulting a financial advisory app like EduFund. An advisory service that specializes in education planning can be extremely helpful for you. 5. Always put your child first This is probably the most important part of any planning you do for your child. You must always put your child first. It is easy to superimpose your own dreams and expectations on your children, especially when they are young. Remember that you are planning for the sake of their hopes and dreams and not yours.  Be supportive and mindful of what your child wants. You should talk to them regularly about their future and what they have in mind. Tell them, especially when they are older, about the steps you have taken for their future, and ask them if those steps align with their dreams. It doesn’t make sense to plan for medical school if your child has an artistic bent of mind. Keep in mind that your children are the real stakeholders here.  Conclusion Child investment takes many forms. Every parent wants to raise their child to his or her highest possible potential. Reaching that potential can take quite a bit of money and this is why education planning and fundraising are important. Investing in your child’s education is a long-term goal that will require patience, faith, and reliable advisors. Research your options thoroughly, talk to the right people to get the right advice, and invest in the right places. With the right plans in place, no goal is too far. FAQs Why is it important to have a financial plan for my child's education? A financial plan creates a roadmap and assists you in achieving the goal you had set for yourself. Does it really help to start saving for a child's education even before birth? Yes, the earlier you start saving, the higher your savings will grow. The power of compounding is a great factor in advance savings. How does an education plan for new parents? Through advanced education planning as new parents, they can save enough money to fund their child's future and possibly expensive educational dreams. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Sundaram AMC is a fully owned subsidiary of NBFCs - Sundaram Finance Limited (SFL), and it was set up on 26 February 1996. Sundaram AMC, jointly promoted and managed by Sundaram Finance Ltd. and Stewart Newton Holdings (Mauritius) Limited, provides investment plans in a range of products in equity, fixed income, and liquid funds. The AMC is sponsored by Sundaram Finance & Newton Group in 1996, from which Newton exited in 2002. BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) then became a partner in 2006 and 2010, the parent company of BNP Paribas Asset Management, as part of a global acquisition, acquired the Fortis Group. Thus, Sundaram Finance has fully bought out BNP Paribas's stake and has taken 100% charge of the business. Sundaram Mutual Fund has considered one of the most prestigious names in Indian business is and registered with SEBI vide Registration No. MF/034/97/2, and is a trust set up under the provisions of the Indian Trust Act. As of 31-Mar-2021, its summary of Schemes includes 226 schemes, bifurcated into Arbitrage Funds (3) | Balanced (14) | Equity (89) | Fixed Maturity Plans (10) | Global Funds (2) | Income Funds (18) | Liquid Funds (32) | Short Term Income Funds (8) | Ultra Short Term Funds (24) | with a huge corpus under the management of Rs. 32051.9687 crores. The AMC has experience of more than 20 years, with about 3.3 million investors and an overall 23 years of expertise. It has become one of the largest financial institutions in India. This is one of the leading and most popular providers of efficient services and support systems to investors with an array of beneficial mutual funds which yield high returns and tend to keep the money of the investor safe and secure. Features of Sundaram AMC Sundaram AMC claims to be the first to introduce innovative mutual fund schemes like Rural India Capex, Leadership, Mid-cap, and Microcap series of funds. Sundaram AMC is considered a leader in quality management, one of the leading names in Indian business, and a pioneer in customer satisfaction, employee welfare, and values. Sundaram AMC caters to 3.3 million investors with 23 years of expertise in fund management. It manages assets worth 33,145 crores, offering mutual fund schemes - 141 equity, 182 debt, and 36 hybrid funds have become one of the largest financial institutions in India. Important information about Sundaram mutual fund Some of the key parameters within the Sundaram AMC are: SponsorSundaram Finance LimitedAsset Management CompanyDHFL Pramerica Asset Managers Private Ltd.TrusteeSundaram Trustee Company LtdInvestment ManagerSundaram Asset Management Company LimitedStatutory DetailsSundaram Mutual Fund, a trust set up under the provisions of the Indian Trust Act and registered with SEBI vide Registration No. MF/034/97/2.No of schemes228, 64Date of Incorporation of AMCFeb-26-1996Date of set up of Mutual FundAug-24-1996Name(s) of SponsorSundaram Finance LimitedName of Trustee CompanySundaram Trustee Company LtdName of TrusteesDr. John Praveen Mr. Srinath Sridharan Mr. Sujal Shah Mr. Rakesh SoodChairmanMr. Pratip ChaudhuriCEO / MDMr Sunil Subramaniam / Mr Harsha VijiCIOKrishna Kumar S. and Dwijendra SrivastavaCompliance OfficerMr. Dhiren H Thakker / Mr. Rahul MayorInvestor Service OfficerP SundararajanAuditorsM/s Brahmayya & Co, Chartered Accountants,  M/s Sundaram & Srinivasan, Chartered AccountantQuarterly AUM30466.71Registrar and Transfer AgentSundaram BNP Paribas Fund Services LimitedCustodianHDFC Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered BankHead Office Address Sundaram Towers, 46, 2nd Floor, Whites Road Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600014 Address- 6-3-1085 / D /103, Dega Towers, Rajbhavan Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500082Sundaram Mutual Fund Registrar OfficeSundaram BNP Paribas Fund Services, D.No.6-3-57/1, 408-410, Diamond Block, 4th Floor, Lumbini Rockdale Compound, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh - 500082Sundaram mutual fund customer care numbers1 - 1860 425 7237, 044 2858 3362/3367, 044 2858 3156 (fax), 040-23310622Emailcustomerservices@sundarammutual.com, customerservices@sundarambnpparibasfs.in, dhirent@sundarammutual.comWebsitewww.sundarammutual.com Sundaram Mutual Fund Login Ten top-performing Sundaram Mutual fund schemes Sundaram has mutual funds in almost all categories permitted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or SEBI. Here is a list of the ten best-performing Sundaram mutual fund schemes in India. 1. Sundaram Rural and Consumption Fund (Category - Equity: Sectoral fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to generate consistent long-term returns by investing predominantly in equity & equity-related instruments of companies that are focusing on Rural India. The Sundaram Rural and Consumption Fund, with a NAV of 48.4608 (as of 28th April 2021), is the top-performing fund in the Equity: Sectoral fund category. This fund was launched on 3rd April 2008 and has given trailing returns of 36.8% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 3.2% in 3 years. The fund managers are S.Bharath and Rohit Seksaria.  Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Exit Load0-12 Months (1%),12 Months and above (NIL).Return Since Inception (12th May 2006):11.1% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 1336 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio2.15% (as of 31st March 2021) 2. Sundaram Mid Cap Fund (Category - Equity: Midcap fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to achieve capital appreciation by investing in diversified stocks that are generally termed mid-caps. The Sundaram Mid Cap Fund, with a NAV of 573.816 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Equity: Midcap fund category. This fund was launched on 30th July 2002 and has given trailing returns of 59% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 2.4% in 3 years. The fund managers are S.Bharath and Ratish Varier.  Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 100Exit Load0-12 Months (1%),12 Months and above(NIL)Return Since Inception (30th July 2002):24.1% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 6152 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.96% (as of 31st March 2021) 3. Sundaram Debt Oriented Hybrid Fund (Category - Hybrid - Hybrid Debt fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to generate regular income through investment in fixed-income securities. The secondary objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing a portion of the scheme’s assets in equity and equity-related instruments. The Sundaram Debt Oriented Hybrid Fund, with a NAV of 21.1496 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Hybrid - Hybrid Debt fund category. This fund was launched on 8th March 2010 and has given trailing returns of 12.8% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 3.4% in 3 years. The fund managers are S Krishnakumar, Dwijendra Srivastava, Siddharth Chaudhary, Sandeep Agarwal, Rahul Baijal, and Rohit Seksaria. Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 250Exit Load(NIL)Return Since Inception (8th March 2010):7% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 33 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio2.13% (as of 31st March 2021) 4. Sundaram Small Cap Fund (Category - Equity - Small Cap fund ) To primarily achieve capital appreciation by investing in diversified stocks that are generally termed as small and mid-caps and by investing in other equities. The Sundaram Small Cap Fund, with a NAV of 112.366 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Equity - Small Cap fund category. This fund was launched on 15th Feb 2005 and has given trailing returns of 90.2% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 1.8% in 3 years. The fund managers are Ratish Varier and Rohit Seksaria. Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 100Exit Load0-12 Months (1%),12 Months and above (NIL)Return Since Inception (15th Feb 2005):16.1% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 1248 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.42% (as of 31st March 2021) 5. Sundaram Large and Mid-Cap Fund (Category - Equity - Large & Mid Cap fund) The objective of the scheme would be to seek capital appreciation by investing in equity & equity-related instruments. The Sundaram Large and Mid-Cap Fund, with a NAV of 43.2555 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Equity - Large & Mid Cap fund category. This fund was launched on 27th Feb 2007 and has given trailing returns of 51.2% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 8.4% in 3 years. The fund managers are S. Bharath and Rahul Baijal. Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 100Exit Load0-12 Months (1%),12 Months and above (NIL)Return Since Inception (27th Feb 2007):10.9% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 1480 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio2.43% (as of 31st March 2021) 6. Sundaram Diversified Equity Fund (Category - Equity - ELSS fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to achieve capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equities and equity-related instruments. A three-year lock-in period shall apply in line with the regulation for ELSS schemes. The Sundaram Large and Mid-Cap Fund, with a NAV of 120.671 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Equity - Large & Mid Cap fund category. This fund was launched on 22nd Nov 2009 and has given trailing returns of 51.2% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 4.1% in 3 years. The fund managers are S. Bharath and Rohit Seksaria Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,00Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 250Exit LoadNILReturn Since Inception (22nd Nov 2009):16 % (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 2340 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio2.09% (as of 31st March 2021) 7. Sundaram Financial Services Opportunities Fund (Category - Equity – Sectoral fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of Indian companies engaged in banking and financial services. The Sundaram Financial Services Opportunities Fund, with a NAV of 52.3109 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Equity Sectoral fund category. This fund was launched on 10th June 2008 and has given trailing returns of 50% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 10.3% in 3 years. The fund managers are Ratish Varier and Rahul Baijal Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 100000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 100Exit Load0-12 Months (1%),12 Months and above (NIL)Return Since Inception (10th June 2008):13.7 % (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 328 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio2.76% (as of 31st March 2021) 8. Sundaram Select Focus Fund (Category - Equity - Focused fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to achieve capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity-related instruments of select stocks. The Sundaram Select Focus Fund, with a NAV of 226.239 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Equity-Focused fund category. This fund was launched on 30th July 2002 and has given trailing returns of 39.4% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 10.1% in 3 years. The fund managers are S. Bharath and Rahul Baijal. Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 100Exit Load0-12 Months (1%),12 Months and above (NIL)Return Since Inception (30th July 2002):18.1 % (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 1218 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio2.38% (as of 31st March 2021) 9. Sundaram Corporate Bond Fund (Category - Debt - Corporate Bond fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to generate reasonable returns by creating a portfolio comprising substantially of fixed income instruments and money market instruments by keeping the interest rate risk of the fund low. The Sundaram Corporate Bond Fund, with a NAV of 31.5049 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Debt Corporate Bond fund category. This fund was launched on 30 Dec 04 and has given trailing returns of 8.7% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 9.4% in 3 years. The fund managers are Dwijendra Srivastava and Sandeep Agarwal Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 5000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 250Exit LoadNILReturn Since Inception (30 Dec 04):7.3 % (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 1031 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio0.49% (as of 31st March 2021) 10. Sundaram Banking & PSU Debt Fund (Category - Debt - Banking & PSU Debt fund) The primary investment objective of the scheme is to generate income and capital appreciation by primarily investing in a portfolio of high-quality debt and money market securities that are issued by banks, public sector undertakings, and public Financial Institutions. The Sundaram Banking & PSU Debt Fund, with a NAV of 34.0083 (as of 28th April 2021), is a fund in the Debt - Banking & PSU Debt category. This fund was launched on 30 Dec 04 and has given trailing returns of 6.4% in one year (as of 30th April 2021), and 7.9% in 3 years. The fund managers are Dwijendra Srivastava and Siddhartha Chaudhary Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 100000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 250Exit LoadNILReturn Since Inception (30 Dec 04):7.8 % (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 937 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio0.3% (as of 31st March 2021) Saving tax by investing in tax-saving mutual funds by Sundaram Mutual Fund Investors can save tax payments and claim tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act by investing in certain tax-saving mutual funds offered by Sundaram Mutual Funds. The tax-saving mutual funds offered by Sundaram AMC are: Sundaram Diversified Equity Sundaram Long Term Tax Advantage Fund Who is eligible for Sundaram Mutual Funds? Sundaram Mutual Funds can be bought by any of the following investors: Resident Indians and Non-resident Indians Private companies, Partnership firms, and Banking firms Public financial institutions and Foreign institutional investors Hindu undivided families (HUFs) Insurance companies Parents or guardians (in case of funds bought for minors) Documents required for investing in Sundaram Mutual Fund The following list of documents is required for investing in Sundaram Mutual Fund: Application form Identity proof Age Proof Income Proof Address proof KYC documents Online KYC documents like Self-attested PAN card copy, recent passport size photographs, overseas address copy and passport copy for NRIs, self-attested address proof copy for Indian residents, signature in a small piece of paper How to invest in Sundaram Mutual Fund online? The step-by-step instruction on how to invest in Sundaram Mutual Fund is: Step 1 – First of all, the investor needs to use his Sundaram mutual fund login and visit the homepage of ‘Sundaram Mutual’ through their official website or use his Sundaram mutual fund login on the EduFund portal as well. Step 2 – Then, he needs to select the option of whether he is an ‘existing investor’ or a ‘first-time investor’. After selecting the right option, he should proceed with the appropriate investment choice. Step 3 - If the investor is a first-time user, he may have to generate a new Sundaram mutual fund login ID after providing his details. Step 4 – After selecting ‘the first-time investor’, he will have to fill the declaration page authorizing the company to use his signature and documents for verification and validation purposes. Step 5 - Following the declaration, the investor will have to fill in his basic details like personal details, professional details, PAN number, date of birth, mobile number, KYC details, and email id. If there are any additional applicants, their names can also be added to the same page. Step 6 - Once creating the account on the website, he can log in to the account and opt for the appropriate funds, considering the risk and amount he wants to invest. If he has any doubts, he can easily contact the company using the email, official address, customer care number, helpline numbers, or message. It is easy to generate the Sundaram mutual fund account statement using the login ID. Using the Sundaram Mutual Fund Calculator  The mutual fund calculator of Sundaram helps you estimate the returns which can be expected from the invested capital. The exact amount cannot be guaranteed, but an estimated amount can be calculated using the Sundaram mutual fund calculator for both Lumpsum and Sundaram mutual fund SIP payments to get an appropriate view of the Sundaram mutual fund statement. Why choose Sundaram Mutual Fund through EduFund? Sundaram Asset Management is one of the largest non-banking financial service providers in India. It has over two decades of experience in providing finance-related support and services for its investors. Its parent company Sundaram Finance Limited and the AMC is one of the most stable firms for buying mutual funds in India, and the benefits of choosing their mutual funds using EduFund are as follows:  The company offers a huge range of products to provide the best support, service and financial advice, and expertise to the investment needs of its customers. Currently, it is handling assets worth over Rs.28,000 crore in different regions of the country. The company focuses on providing value to its investors and has a pool of experienced fund managers running various schemes. The company caters to a range of return, risk, and liquidity choices of investors through their various schemes with a stringent focus on the investor portfolio's credit quality, for Mutual Funds Investment. Sundaram Mutual Fund has an AUM size of over Rs. 30,355 Crores possessing a strong retail orientation and spread across 137 Schemes. Sundaram Mutual Funds has always made customer satisfaction its top priority and is headquartered in Chennai. They have one of the most stringent and robust customer-care operations, with 93 centers spread across every nook and corner of the country. They also have their own asset management subsidiary in Singapore, along with a branch office in Dubai. Fund Managers under Sundaram AMC Some of the most important professional experts who are diligently handling the mutual funds of Sundaram AMC are as follows: 1. Mr. S. Krishnakumar - Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Sundaram Mutual Funds Mr. S. Krishnakumar has been associated with Sundaram since 2003 when he joined as a Senior Research Analyst at the company and became the Head of Equity Research in 2004. Additionally, he was working as a Fund Manager at the same time and earned his PGDBA in Finance and B.E degrees from the Loyola Institute of Business Administration and NIT, Trichy.  Before joining Sundaram, Mr. Krishnakumar was the Vice President at Anusha Shares and Securities Pt. Ltd. and Senior Engineer at Lucas TVS. Currently, he is managing 31 schemes aggregating an AUM of approximately Rs. 17,000 crores. Some of the main schemes that he is handling are Infrastructure Advantage Fund Direct-Growth, Sundaram Financial Services Oppari unities Fund Direct-Growth, Sundaram Large and Mid-Cap Fund Direct-Dividend, and Sundaram Rural and Consumption Fund Direct-Growth, Sundaram Krishnakumar is skilled in Finance & Portfolio Management and has been managing a myriad of Mutual Fund schemes in Sundaram AMC with more than 20 years of experience. He helps investors monitor and takes decisions strategically. 2. Mr. Rahul Baikal - Senior Fund Manager at Sundaram He has completed his MBA in Finance Marketing and Strategy from IIM Calcutta, and he joined Sundaram AMC in July 2016 after an inspirational career of more than 17 years. He began his career as a Management Trainee at Standard Chartered Bank. Before joining Sundaram AMC, he served as a Fund Manager at Bharati AXA Life Insurance for 4 years, was a Director and Portfolio Manager at TVF Capital, and an Equity Analyst at HSBC Global Banking and Markets, and Credit Suisse. At Sundaram, Mr. Baikal is presently managing 16 mutual funds with an approximate AUM of Rs 4,603 crores.  His key mutual funds include Sundaram Financial Services Opportunities Fund Direct-Growth, Sundaram Select Focus Fund Direct-Growth, and Sundaram Equity Hybrid. 3. Bharath.S - Equity Fund Manager at Sundaram AMC Bharath.S is currently monitoring and coordinating fund management and analysis and leads as a research head. Mr. S. Bharath has experience of more than 17 years. He began his career as a Research Analyst at a Mumbai-based firm, Nava Markets Limited, in 2004 when he joined Sundaram. Before stepping into the world of fund management, he was a Research Analyst till 2008. Currently, he manages 11 schemes with an estimated AUM of Rs. 4,100 Crore and is Sundaram’s s point of contact for all investments in overseas securities. Some of the key mutual funds under his management are Sundaram Large and Mid-Cap Fund Direct-Dividend, Sundaram Infrastructure Advantage Fund Direct Dividend Reinvestment, Sundaram Rural, and Consumption Fund Direct-Growth, and Sundaram Large and Mid-Cap Fund Direct-Growth. 4. Rahul Ranjan - Vice President of Investments in Sundaram Mutual Funds Rahul Ranjan has over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector and is a B.Sc Graduate and MBA in Finance. Mr. Ranjan has gained experience in financial markets since December 2018.  Ranjan is a gold medallist in his Post Graduation degree in the Finance stream of the Indian Institute of Management. He has served in different financial organizations as a Vice President and Head of Equity at Star Union Daichi Life Insurance and as a Fund Manager at Max Life Insurance Company. He initiated his career as an Assistant Manager at Adani Wilmer. Presently at Sundaram, Mr. Ranjan manages 3 schemes with assets that work the Rs. 3,000 Crore, which generates the highest returns like Sundaram Rural and Consumption Fund Direct-Growth, Sundaram Select Focus Fund Direct-Growth, Sundaram Global Advantage Direct-Growth, and Sundaram Large and Mid-Cap Fund Direct-Dividend Pay-out. 5. Mr. Rohit Seksaria Mr. Rohit Seksaria completed his MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, in 2002, and he also secured an All-India rank of 36 in his ICAI exams. While he was working as a Summer Intern at JP Morgan Investment Management in 2001 during his college days, he entered the world of finance and served in many roles in several organizations before he joined Sundaram. He began as a Manager at UTI Mutual Fund, then headed the Global Equity Strategy Research team of Erevan Research Services. Further, he worked as a Senior Portfolio Analyst at Progress Capital Pte Ltd, a Portfolio Manager at Progress Capital/Asia Capital & Advisors Private Ltd, and an Analyst at Matchpoint Investment Management, before finally joining Sundaram as a Fund Manager in January 2017. Currently, at Sundaram AMC, he is handling 12 schemes which include Sundaram Debt Oriented Hybrid Fund Direct Plan-Dividend Quark termly Reinvestment, Sundaram Global Advantage Direct-Dividend Reinvestment, and Sundaram Global Advantage Direct-Growth. His net estimated AUM is approximately Rs. 3,200 Crore. Choose EduFund for investing in Sundaram AMC mutual fund EduFund makes the process of investing in Sundaram AMC mutual funds convenient. EduFund's experienced consultants give you customized solutions for all your financial goals. You can start investing from a lowly INR 5,000 and grow your capital comfortably. With EduFund, you get the following benefits: Customized Research-Based Financial Plan -  EduFund's scientific fund tracker screens over 1 lakh data points and 400 financial scenarios to recommend you the best mutual funds. Customer-Friendly Counsellors Help You Create a Financial Plan - EduFund's counselors are trained to handle all kinds of queries from customers. They spend as much time with you as you need and resolve all your issues to help you create a robust financial plan. Invest Less, Earn More - Not only are the best Indian mutual funds, but EduFund also offers you the facility to invest in US Dollar ETFs and international mutual funds. Use Free Tools - EduFund offers various free tools for its customers, including College Savings Calculator, SIP calculator, etc. No Technical Expertise Required - You do not need to be an expert in finance to understand which mutual fund is the best for you. EduFund does it for you. Value-Added Benefits - You may get value-added benefits like no commission, free advisory, and nil-hidden charges. Secure Transactions - EduFund is RIA-registered and uses top-class 128-SSL security to enable safe transactions. Special Support for Children's Education - EduFund has a dedicated team of experts who help you fulfill your children's educational goals.

College can be expensive, especially when you are studying overseas. The education fund investment and planning your parents undertook for you should be enough to cover your tuition and housing. However, a side hustle can help you earn some extra disposable income to offset an overstretched budget. Here are some side hustle ideas for college students across the globe! Easy side hustle ideas for college students A side hustle is basically a part-time job that you can do in your free time when you are not engaged in classes or coursework. You need to pick a job that is easy, requires skills you already possess, and fits into your schedule as a college student. 1. Freelancing Freelancing can be an easy and flexible side hustle for college students. Freelancing involves offering your skills or services for hire on a contract or project-to-project basis. Depending on your skill set you can freelance as an artist, a writer, a programmer or developer, or a translator. Freelancer marketplaces and platforms like Fiverr and Upwork let you take up projects and clients on a flexible schedule which is perfect for students. Additionally, freelance work can be done remotely and you do not need to go to an office. This is great for students who study abroad and may not have a car or a license. 2. Tutoring Tutoring is a great option for you if you like working with kids or teaching. You can offer personalized tutoring services for high school students, especially students who are starting to apply to colleges. These students can benefit from your experience with college applications and admissions. You can offer them both education and mentorship.  If you are studying abroad and worried about not being able to connect with non-Indian students, or if you do not have a car to move around, you can offer to tutor online. Holding online classes saves you time and enables you to offer your services to a much larger potential demographic. 3. Sell hand-made crafts & products If you are creatively inclined and skilled in arts and crafts, you could make some money selling your work online. Products like hand-made candles, soap, decor, and knickknacks sell really well on marketplaces like Etsy and through social media. You can start by starting an Instagram or Facebook page advertising your products to students on your campus. After that, you can expand your little business on other platforms.  Keep in mind that your college may have rules or guidelines in place if you are starting your business from your dorm room. If you are making products like soap, that involve harmful chemicals, you may have to get special permission and take appropriate precautions. 4. Get a retail job Retail jobs are jobs that involve selling products or dealing with customers or inventory in a retail store. These jobs have been traditionally popular with students who go to study abroad. You can work as a sales representative, as a stockist, or as a cashier.  These jobs may seem like they are trivial or unsubstantial, but they teach you a lot of real-world skills that you can later bring to the job market when you graduate. They teach you the basics of sales, inventory, accounting, and customer management. They also give you the experience of working in a real workplace environment with co-workers, managers, and bosses. Retail jobs can be a real learning experience. 5. Get a restaurant job Jobs working in a cafe, restaurant, or coffee shop are also popular with college students who study abroad. In fact, you may not even have to go off-campus for one of these jobs. Usually, cafes and coffee shops on college campuses have barista, wait staff or line-cook jobs available for students.  The benefit of restaurant jobs, especially if you are a server or wait staff is that you can earn money on top of your salary through tips. This makes these jobs quite lucrative. Like retail jobs, restaurant jobs can also teach you valuable skills like customer management, order management, and accounting.  6. Food delivery service If you have a vehicle, like a car or even a bicycle, you may be able to work as a food delivery person. You can work with a restaurant directly or work through a food delivery service application. These jobs can pay well and, just like with writing, you can expect to rely on tips as well which can be lucrative. A downside of food delivery is that it can be time-consuming and involve a bit of travel. However, college campuses house hundreds of students and faculty who tend to order a lot of food. This means you may not even have to travel to far-flung areas to deliver your orders. Your location may be able to offset some of the downsides that are usually typical of food delivery gigs. 7. Library assistant If you are an international student with big study abroad dreams but not enough knowledge of the job market in a foreign country, you may like to work close to campus. Campus libraries are always looking for extra help with reshelving books and managing the lending software.  A library assistant job will keep you close to campus so you do not have to worry about traveling to and fro and missing classes. It can also be extremely rewarding, especially if you are a book lover. Being familiar with your college library will also be useful during exams and assignments. You may even be able to snag important and popular books before someone else issues them out! 8. Get paid for taking online surveys Marketing research companies are constantly looking for data on consumer behavior and preferences to improve their products and advertisements. These companies often pay people to take surveys for them so that they can sell this data to product designing and manufacturing companies and ad agencies. This is a good side hustle that does not even require you to leave your dorm room. You can squeeze in some questionnaires and short surveys in your free time and get paid for them! Conclusion Your parents have, no doubt, given you everything to the best of their ability, investing in education fund trusts and taking on education loans for your future. However, as you grow into adulthood, it is time for you to start learning to take responsibility for your own income. One of the things that make your decision to study abroad truly worth it is the independence and self-sufficiency it teaches you. A part-time job can teach you the hard work it takes to earn real money out in the world. Being on your own in a foreign country is a unique adventure that you should take full advantage of. A side hustle can be part of that adventure! FAQs How can a college student earn a side income? There are many ways for a student to earn a side income while studying. One can start tutoring, blogging, becoming an influencer on social media, getting an internship or a part-time job that aligns with their college schedule, and many more. What are some of the best college student-friendly side hustle ideas? Some of the best side hustle ideas for college students are - affiliate marketing, participating in paid online surveys, blogging, doing paid internships that are relevant to the subjects they're currently studying in college, etc. Is it important for students to have a side hustle? The answer varies from student to student. For some, it's a necessity as their families are unable to fully support them financially. For some, it's a way of transitioning toward financial freedom.