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Best ELSS Funds for child’s higher education. All you need to know

Best ELSS Funds for child’s higher education. All you need to know

Equity-linked savings schemes are the best options for parents whose investment objective is securing money for their child’s higher education. The best ELSS funds offer both stable and good returns and are preferred over other schemes due to their ability to beat education inflation and achieve higher returns in the long-term period.  Higher education has become very expensive and adding to it is the high rate of education inflation, which currently stands at 10% - 11%.  It is a painful situation for parents who want to give their children the best possible education for meeting their desired goals.  The solution is a tax-saving mutual fund also known as ELSS funds, which primarily invests in only equity and related instruments to generate the highest possible returns. These are extremely beneficial as they offer a unique combination of tax benefits and equity-linked market returns. What is an ELSS Fund? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yFM2b8-Zd60 ELSS funds in the market for 2022 Some of the best ELSS funds based on their upside potential are Features of ELSS funds for a child’s higher education Lock-in period of 3 years. Can make 100% investment in equity instruments. Tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.  The expense ratio is a maximum of 2.5% which can be further reduced via direct investment from the fund house.  The ELSS fund provides capital appreciation. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3-JVg9rhDbM Benefits of investing in ELSS funds for a child’s higher education 1. High returns ELSS funds generally offer a return of 13% - 15% if it is held for 12 – 15 years. The high returns are a boon for parents who have started investing for the primary purpose of their child’s higher education.  2. Tax Saving Parents who are looking at the best ELSS funds for investing in their child’s higher education find it beneficial as it serves the two-fold purpose of saving taxes and creating wealth. INR 1.5 lakh in such schemes is eligible for tax exemption. 3. Disciplined investment The ELSS funds have a minimum lock-in period of 3 years and this helps the fund managers to avoid the pressure of a bear market.  4. Uniformed investment As the cash for the ELSS funds is received from a large number of salaried professionals via SIP, it creates a uniform pattern of investment.  5. Professional management The ELSS funds are managed by experienced professionals who are dedicated to staying relevant even during changing economic and market conditions.  The investment counselors and wealth coach at the Edufund App offer professional services to interested parents in creating and managing a personalized financial plan through tax-saving ELSS funds that will pay effectively for their child’s higher education. The scientific fund tracker at their disposal is a key tool that can screen more than 1 lakh data points and 400+ financial scenarios to recommend the best ELSS fund that will prove beneficial for a child’s higher education.  6. Low investment The best part of investing in an ELSS fund is that parents can invest as low as INR 500 in SIP and INR 5000 as a lumpsum investment. This gives them the flexibility to adjust according to their pockets.   7. SIP option ELSS funds allow parents to invest via SIP and reap the benefits of investing small amounts at regular intervals.  8. The power of compounding ELSS funds are the best investment opportunity as they help parents to earn via their principal amount and also on the returns generated from that investment through the power of compounding.  9. Diversified portfolio Best ELSS funds are spread across several industries and market capitalizations. An investment in such schemes gives access to a diversified portfolio at a nominal expense.  10. Distribution of market risks A diversified portfolio of ELSS funds distributes the market risk and helps parents earn high returns for their child’s higher education. Conclusion The reason for choosing the best ELSS funds for a child’s higher education is to meet the financial objectives of an education plan. The schemes provide capital appreciation and tax benefits so that the money can be used to fulfill the purpose of giving a child the higher education he deserves. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT
Find out the cost of studying in Ireland

Find out the cost of studying in Ireland

Wondering what is the cost of sending your child to Ireland? You are in the right place, here is a breakdown of what it costs to send your child to one of the most affordable destinations in Europe! Get a loan for your higher education in Ireland at 9.85% https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fufyFB9aMQI Average tuition fees of universities  The students of Ireland get completely free bachelor’s degrees according to the scheme put forward by the government. All the costs are covered by the Higher Education Authority. All international students (both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens) have to pay a student contribution fee of a maximum of 3,000 EUR/year for student services, like examination entries and support for clubs and societies. The fee varies from one university to another, and it can change every year. Let’s see some of the tuition fees of different universities in Ireland.  Trinity College Dublin: Rs 6,00,000 per annum  University College Dublin: Rs 5,35,000 per annum  Royal College of Surgeon in Ireland: Rs 6,39,000 per annum  National University of Ireland, Galway: Rs 4,79,000 per annum The most affordable universities in Ireland are as follows:  University College Cork  Cork Institute of Technology  St. Patrick’s College  Dublin Business School  University College Dublin  University of Limerick  Maynooth University  Additional read: Cost of education in Singapore Cost of living in Ireland  The costs of living in Ireland are a bit higher than the average for the European area; you should expect to spend anywhere between 550 - 1,000 EUR/month.  Average costs of living in Irish cities (including accommodation costs):  Dublin: Rs. 87,881 to Rs. 1,43,827  Cork: Rs. 68,717 to Rs. 1,11,860  Galway: Rs. 72,000 approximately  This is a monthly cost of living expense which may differ based on your child’s budget, city, and spending habits.      Higher education institutions offer accommodation in student residence halls, which usually costs above the European average of 200 - 300 EUR. It is often difficult to find a place because the number of places is limited, and the demand is high. Apart from residence halls, you can rent/share an apartment or choose to live with an Irish family.  The average accommodation prices for students in Ireland are:  Students Living Alone: Rs 71,990 per month  Students Living with Flatmates: Rs 43,936 per month  Students Living on Campus: Rs 51,927 per month  Find out the current and future cost of studying in Ireland using the College cost calculator Studying abroad can be an expensive affair, but thankfully, Ireland is one destination where quality education is available at tuition rates lower than many other countries. The duration of graduation courses is mostly 12 months unlike the 16-24 months duration of programs in other countries. So, as a student from India, it makes for a very desirable place to study, with innumerable growth opportunities.    If your child is planning to study abroad, then ensure that you consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage, and travel along with their tuition fee when calculating the estimated cost of studying in Ireland. This will help you plan your budget more effectively and create a good education corpus when the time comes Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT
Learn to invest in metaverse from India

Learn to invest in metaverse from India

The phrase "metaverse" refers to a new virtual space arising as technology improves. It's an idea that traces its origins to 1992 when Neal Stephenson published his dystopian novel "Snow Crash," which featured characters who used 3D headgear to visit another reality. On the face, this appears to be nothing new, yet the Metaverse is expected to be a completely new approach for us to engage with the internet, known as Web 3.0.   The Metaverse is a mix of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and three-dimensional digital worlds. The underlying concept is to give the internet a perception of presence - imagine 3D avatars and synced virtual places that everybody can share. With augmented reality glasses, you could, for example, visit a friend's virtual residence in the Metaverse or watch digital concerts and conferences.   Several large IT corporations have jumped on the metaverse bandwagon, though their perspectives vary. Facebook and other social media corporations are among the most vocal advocates today, believing that the innovation will alter how many of us socialize by the end of this century. To symbolize its devotion to the Metaverse, Facebook changed its name to Meta. The Metaverse's ambitions aren't limited to escapism and creating communal encounters. Microsoft believes that the Metaverse can make remote work more personal through Microsoft Teams. Meanwhile, video game producers like Epic Games seek to create distinct worlds that go beyond what is conceivable in the actual world. Finally, proponents of decentralized technologies assert that they can permit digital ownership and complete virtual economies.   The Metaverse offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest. As per Bloomberg, the Metaverse's worldwide economic potential might reach $800 billion by 2024. According to Matthew Ball, CEO of Epyllion, a venture financing firm, the Metaverse is an opportunity with a lot of zeros behind it. Even if your expectations are lower, precedent from the digital economy, the internet, and mobile internet says this is a $10 [trillion] to $30 trillion opportunity that will materialize in a decade or decade and a half.   There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to investing in the Metaverse. Albeit, there are three methods for investors to get a piece of the $30 trillion pie. Additional read: How to invest in Snapchat from India 1. Going the head-on way  Using Metaverse crypto or Metaverse cryptocurrencies, one can invest in both cryptocurrencies and the Metaverse at the same time. Decentraland (MANA), Sandbox (SAND), and Enjin are some Metaverse tokens (Enj). To invest in Metaverse in India, go to any significant crypto exchange and acquire the tokens directly. To make cash, one can exchange such assets throughout the Metaverse, earn things and services, and then redeem them in the real world. On the other hand, directly purchasing NFTs and other assets entails significant risks and volatility. Purchasing virtual land or real estate in the Metaverse is another way to invest directly in the Metaverse.   2. Investing through individual stocks with metaverse exposure   Equities of publicly traded companies participating in the Metaverse domain can likewise be used to invest in the Metaverse indirectly. The majority of the prominent companies in this field are currently listed in the United States. These could be businesses that engage in Metaverse-related activities or supply products, services, technology, or technological skills. While some companies, such as Meta, are working on high-end VR headsets, others, such as Nvidia, are working on the computational power that will power the Metaverse. Cloud service companies such as Amazon and Microsoft will play a part in the Metaverse because it will be housed in the cloud.   On the other hand, individual stock purchases will necessitate greater initial and ongoing analysis.   3. Investing inconvenience  As Metaverse is still in its infancy, it's challenging to grasp the Metaverse's and enterprises' business models. As a beginner, you can invest in the Metaverse through ETFs such as the Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF, which gives you exposure to companies that develop Metaverse infrastructure (like Nvidia), gaming engines that create virtual worlds (like Roblox), and leaders in content, commerce, and social media for the Metaverse (like Tencent). Nvidia Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Meta Platforms Inc., Roblox Corporation, Tencent Holdings Limited, and Unity Software Inc. are among the fund's top holdings. The Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF had 45 holdings and seven nations in its portfolio. The median market capitalization of these 45 holdings is $68 billion.  Put another way, the typical company held by this ETF will be successful and well-established. While these equities will have metaverse connections, there's a fair probability they'll also have very profitable core operations that will support metaverse research and development. If you opt to invest in ETFs, you may rest easy.   It's crucial to realize that Metaverse investments aren't for everyone. Furthermore, having a significant concentration of assets in stocks of Metaverse-related companies can be dangerous. When investing in the Metaverse, one must consider risk tolerance and the value it will add to the portfolio! FAQs What is the Metaverse, and how can I invest in it? The Metaverse is a virtual shared space where people can interact, work, and play. To invest, consider buying Metaverse-related cryptocurrencies, investing in companies developing Metaverse technology, or acquiring virtual real estate within Metaverse platforms. Can I invest in Metaverse through NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)? Yes, NFTs are often used for buying and selling virtual assets in the Metaverse. You can invest in Metaverse-related NFTs, such as virtual land, digital art, or in-game items. Is investing in Metaverse safe? As with any investment, there are risks. Ensure you research and understand the projects and technologies you invest in. Diversify your investments and only invest what you can afford to lose.
Learn to invest in Zoom from India

Learn to invest in Zoom from India

Zoom Video Communications needs no introduction, especially now that the COVID-19 epidemic has arrived. People began working from their houses when the lockdown was imposed. Most of it happened over a Zoom video conference, whether a corporate meeting or your child's online education. This company's product effectively brought people from all over the world together. Eric Yuan founded Zoom Video Communications as a software start-up in 2011. Eric is the current CEO, and the company is based in California, United States. It is known for providing services like video calling and online chat services via cloud-based peer-to-peer software. As of 2021, the total number of employees is 4422. Salesforce took almost one and a half decades after going public to reach a market capitalization of $100 billion, but Zoom Video Communications took just 14 months. Zoom recently paid $14.7 billion for Five9, a NASDAQ-listed software company specializing in cloud contact centers. Zoom is one of the North American region's top 25 highest-value technology companies.   Additional read: How to invest in Netflix from India? Zoom is one of the few stocks that should be included in every investor's portfolio. Let's first look at some basic stuff before we proceed. Latest market close $109.18 52-week range 108.43 - 406.21 Dividend yield  NA Earnings per share  $4.49 Beta - Market Capitalization $ 24.902 billion Average Volume (3m) 4,317,874 PE ratio  24.24  There are three ways in which you can invest in Zoom from India.   1. The direct way   You can trade in Zoom from India by registering on a US brokerage account using technological platforms that provide this service or through a foreign brokerage with a direct presence in India. To start with this, you only need your PAN card and proof of address.   Zoom's share price was the US $108.6 on March 03, 2022, which is over eight thousand rupees. However, the premium price of Zoom shares should not stop you from investing in them because some platforms allow you to participate in fractional shares. With just $1, you can buy a part of a Google stock and own a piece of the corporation.   2. The ETF way   One way to invest in Zoom stocks from India is through an exchange-traded fund (ETF). ETFs are a grouping of stocks and bonds traded as a single fund. They're comparable to mutual funds in that they're invested in a pool of money. ETFs, on the other hand, are exchanged on the stock exchange and offer a simple and inexpensive way to gain access to a category of market or a group of companies. Buying an ETF via a platform is one way to invest in ETFs.   For example, you can invest in the ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), which contains Zoom as one of its holdings.   Another option for investing in Zoom stocks from India is to purchase ETFs that invest in US markets. You don't need to create a US brokerage account to invest in these ETFs. However, tracking errors in these ETFs may influence your returns.   3. The Mutual fund way   In this case, you will be investing in funds of funds, a domestic mutual fund that invests in a mutual fund available in the United States. Since the investment would be made in Indian rupees, there is no investment restriction. Zoom is included in several mutual funds, such as the Edelweiss' US Technology Fund of Fund but only to a minimal level. Furthermore, this strategy may prove to be more costly. An annual expense ratio will be required of you. The expense ratio of these funds is typically greater, as it includes an additional expenditure levied by the core global schemes they invest in, in addition to the usual India fund administration fee. A note of caution here is to remember to evaluate your risk profile before purchasing any investment. Directly investing in equities like Zoom would be a greater risk strategy for your portfolio. Investing by convenience, i.e., via ETFs As Metaverse is still in its infancy, it's challenging to grasp the Metaverse's and enterprises' business models. As a beginner, you can invest in the Metaverse through ETFs such as the Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF, which gives you exposure to companies that develop Metaverse infrastructure (like Nvidia), gaming engines that create virtual worlds (like Roblox), and leaders in content, commerce, and social media for the Metaverse (like Tencent). Nvidia Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Meta Platforms Inc., Roblox Corporation, Tencent Holdings Limited, and Unity Software Inc. are among the fund's top holdings. The Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF had 45 holdings and seven nations in its portfolio. The median market capitalization of these 45 holdings is $68 billion. Put another way, the typical company held by this ETF will be successful and well-established. While these equities will have metaverse connections, there's a fair probability they'll also have very profitable core operations that will support metaverse research and development. If you opt to invest in ETFs, you may rest easy.  It's crucial to realize that Metaverse investments aren't for everyone. Furthermore, having a significant concentration of assets in stocks of Metaverse-related companies can be dangerous. When investing in the Metaverse, one must consider risk tolerance and the value it will add to the portfolio!   FAQs How to invest in Zoom from India? Yes, you can invest in Zoom from India on the EduFund. Download the App, set up your US account for free without any commission or opening charges. You also get first year free on account maintenance. Once its set up, you can invest in all the top US stocks on your own! What are the different ways to invest in Zoom? There are several ways to start investing in Zoom. You can directly invest in the company by buying its stocks through an app, you can invest in the company indirectly by investing in mutual funds or ETFs that will buy the stock as a part of their portfolio. What is the share price for Zoom? The share price for Zoom is $59.98!
How to invest in facebook (meta) from India?

How to invest in facebook (meta) from India?

Planning to invest in Facebook (meta) from India! Look no further! Find out why and how in this blog! Facebook is a for-profit American firm established in Menlo Park, California, providing online social media and social networking services. Mark Zuckerberg and fellow Harvard College classmates and roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes created the Facebook website on February 4, 2004. The word Facebook stems from the Facebook directories frequently distributed to university students in the United States. Facebook raised $16 billion from the market when it became a publicly traded business in 2012. As a result, Facebook now has a market valuation more significant than some of the most prominent American corporations, like Amazon, Disney, and McDonald's. Facebook's stock price increased almost tenfold in less than ten years, providing early investors with over 1000 percent returns. You've arrived at the right site, whether you want to invest in Facebook shares or learn how to invest in Meta shares from India.   Meta is one of the world's most powerful tech companies. It owns and operates the most widely used and successful social media and messaging platforms worldwide, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Meta is one of the top US companies to invest in, with a market valuation of roughly $ 590.21 billion. Investing in US companies like Meta has a variety of advantages. It provides geographical diversity to your portfolio   The depreciation of the rupee vis-a-vis the dollar is also a prime reason.   The share has provided stable handsome returns in history. The share has returned around 60% in the last five years, which is more than anything on the plate!   Facebook is one of the few stocks that should be in every investor's portfolio. Let's first look at some basic stuff before we proceed.  Latest market close $200.06 52-week range 190.22 - 384.33 Dividend yield  NA Earnings per share  $13.79 Beta 1.4 Market Capitalization $ 544.55 billion Average Volume (3m) 32,148,676 PE ratio  14.51  There are three ways in which you can invest in Facebook from India   1. The direct way   You can trade in Facebook from India by registering on a US brokerage account using technological platforms that provide this service or through a foreign brokerage with a direct presence in India. To start with this, you only need your PAN card and proof of address.   Facebook's share price was US $200.06 on March 03, 2022, which is over fifteen thousand rupees. However, the premium price of Facebook shares should not stop you from investing in them because some platforms allow you to participate in fractional shares. Starting as small as $1, you can buy a part of a Google stock and own a piece of the corporation.   Additional read: How to invest in Google from India 2. The ETF way   One way to invest in Facebook stocks from India is through an exchange-traded fund (ETF). ETFs are a grouping of stocks and bonds traded as a single fund. They're comparable to mutual funds because they invest in a pool of money. ETFs, on the other hand, are exchanged on the stock exchange and offer a simple and inexpensive way to gain access to a category of market or a group of companies. Buying an ETF via a platform is one way to invest in ETFs. You can invest in the Russell 1000 Growth ETF or the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which contains Facebook as one of its top holdings.   Another option for investing in Facebook stocks from India is to purchase ETFs that invest in US indices such as the S&P 500. Facebook is a holding of the Motilal Oswal S&P 500 Index Fund. You don't need to create a US brokerage account to invest in these ETFs. However, tracking errors in these ETFs may influence your returns.   Additional read: How to invest in Coca-Cola from India 3. The Mutual fund way   In this case, you will be investing in Funds of Funds, a domestic mutual fund that invests in a mutual fund available in the United States. Since investment is in Indian rupees, there is no investment restriction. Facebook is included in several mutual funds, such as the Nippon India US Equity Opportunities Fund, ICICI Prudential US Blue-chip Fund, DSP US Flexible Equity, etc. but only to a minimal level. Furthermore, this strategy may prove to be more costly. For instance, an annual expense ratio can be charged. The expense ratio of these funds is typically more significant, as it includes an additional expenditure levied by the core global schemes they invest in, in addition to the usual India fund administration fee. Why invest in Meta shares from India?  Meta (formerly known as Facebook) is a historically beneficial share to know. It is one of the best companies and tech giants in the world. It owns massive social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. They have a market value of $ 590.21 billion. Here are some benefits of investing in Meta shares from India   Diversification: It gives you a chance to invest in the US and the world’s top tech companies from India. It gives you international exposure and a chance to gain returns in a foreign currency.   US Market Exposure: By investing in Meta, you not only have exposure to the world economy but to the US economy. As a Meta shareholder, you can be a beneficiary of US market gains.   US Dollar: Gaining returns in dollars is the greatest reason to invest in Meta shares from India. You can take advantage of the rupee depreciation and make the most of your US returns. Thus, investing in Meta means gaining interest in dollars and making the most of the appreciating US dollar.   Performance: Facebook shares have seen tremendous growth. For instance, if you invested Rs 10,000 in Facebook stock 10 years ago, your investment would have turned Rs 10,00,000 by October 2020!   Advantages of investing in Meta Higher Returns: Investing in Meta stocks means the potential of gaining higher returns.    Direct ownership: By buying meta shares directly and not through an ETF or Mutual Fund, you gain absolute control. You can sell and buy the stocks whenever you want and make the most of your earnings directly. You are also eligible for dividends as a direct investor.   US dollar investment: Another advantage of investing in Meta is the chance to get returns in dollars from India. You can benefit from dollar appreciation and increase your purchasing power in India with the gained returns.   Disadvantages of Investing in Meta Market Risks: Met shares are subject to market changes just like any other stocks. Though they are extremely beneficial, there are also many losses associated with the company. Timing your investment and changes is extremely important. You can balance your risk with a good investment advisor.   FAQs Is Facebook still a good investment? Yes, Facebook (Meta) is a relatively good investment and stock to own. Historic performance and market value are admirable. The company has a lower P/E ratio which means you are paying less for a dollar of earnings. Facebook's P/E ratio is lower than that of the S&P 500 and the technology sector, Is it smart to invest in Facebook? Facebook is a great company and the biggest tech company in the world with a market share of $ 590.21 billion. Can you buy stock on Facebook? Yes, it is possible to buy shares of Facebook from India. You can find a SEBI-registered online broker, create an account, and get started! Click here to start investing - https://edufund.in/us-stocks Who is the major investor on Facebook? Mark Zuckerberg is a major investor in Facebook. How can I invest in Facebook from India? Yes, you can invest in Facebook from India on the EduFund. Download the App, set up your US account for free without any commission or opening charges. You also get first year free on account maintenance. Once its set up, you can invest in all the top US stocks on your own!
Learn to invest in Google (Alphabet) from India

Learn to invest in Google (Alphabet) from India

Who doesn't know Google? It's the heart and soul of today's generation and will continue to do so, at least for the next few years. Google is a multinational technology firm based in the United States specializing in Internet-related services and products.    Among them are online advertising technology, search, cloud computing, and software. Google is one of the most popular search engines on the internet, processing a billion searches every day and holding a 65 percent market share.    In January 1996, Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google as a research project while pursuing their PhDs at Stanford University in California. They own roughly 14% of the company's stock and, through supervoting stock, control 56% of stockholder voting power. The company was incorporated and founded in 1998, with the initial public offering in 2004.   Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is one of the world's most valuable publicly traded firms. Almost all of Google's income and profits are generated by Alphabet, the business's holding company.    Google's core business, which accounts for about 90% of its revenue, is online advertising, which it does through Google AdWords and AdSense, where it has been the global market leader for over a decade and controls the majority of global ad expenditure.    Profits from advertising are used for other sectors that have the potential to become profitable in the future. This allows Google to make large investments in technology that many companies would be unable to drive. The Google Cloud Platform, Google's cloud business, also generates revenue Let's first look at some basic stuff associated with the company. Latest market close $2638.13 52-week range 1997.88 - 3030.93 Dividend yield  NA Earnings per share  $112.23 Beta 1.07 Market Capitalization $ 1801 billion Average Volume (3m) 1,822,325 PE ratio  23.51  Ways for you to buy Google shares in India. 1. The Direct Way to Invest in Google  2. The ETF Way to Invest in Google  3. The Mutual Fund Way to Invest in Google  1. The direct way   You can trade in Google from India by registering on a US brokerage account using technological platforms that provide this service or through a foreign brokerage with a direct presence in India. To start with this, you only need your PAN card and proof of address.   Alphabet Inc's share price was US $2,789.61 on January 14, 2022, which is over two lakhs. However, the premium price of Google shares should not stop you from investing in them because some platforms allow you to participate in fractional shares. With only $1, you can buy a part of a Google stock and own a piece of the corporation.   Additional read: How to invest in S&P 500 from India? 2. The ETF way   One way to invest in Google stocks from India is through an exchange-traded fund (ETF). ETFs are a grouping of stocks and bonds traded as a single fund. They're comparable to mutual funds because they invest in a pool of money. ETFs, on the other hand, are exchanged on the stock exchange and offer a simple and inexpensive way to gain access to a category of market or a group of companies. Buying an ETF via a platform is one way to invest in ETFs.   You can invest in the Invesco QQQ Trust, which contains Google as one of its holdings.   Another option for investing in Google stocks from India is to purchase ETFs that invest in US indices such as the Nasdaq. Google is holding the Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF. You don't need to create a US brokerage account to invest in these ETFs. However, tracking errors in these ETFs may influence your returns.   Additional read: How to invest in NASDAQ from India? 3. The Mutual fund way   In this case, you will be investing in funds of funds, a domestic mutual fund that invests in a mutual fund available in the United States. Since investment is in Indian rupees, there is no investment restriction. Google is included in several mutual funds, such as the Edelweiss' US Technology Fund of Fund but only to a minimal level. Furthermore, this strategy may prove to be more costly. An annual expense ratio is one such expense. The expense ratio of these funds is typically more remarkable, as it includes an additional expenditure levied by the core global schemes they invest in, in addition to the usual India fund administration fee.   A note of caution here is to remember to evaluate your risk profile before purchasing any investment. Directly investing in equities like Google would be a greater risk strategy for your portfolio. Why invest in Google?  There are no doubts about the outstanding performance of Google with its services, products, and investment in new development & research. But before you find out ‘How’, you must know the ‘Why’ of buying Google shares in India.   It goes without saying that Google has an undoubtedly competitive advantage. Its sustained competitive edge makes it a secure investment.   Despite the rapid pace of Internet development along with fierce competition, Google has managed to hold a monopoly and outperformed its competition.   By the time you finish reading this sentence, Google will have received more than 3 lakh searches. This means, in a day, it receives over 8.5 billion searches. 90% of Google’s earnings and revenues come from these searches. Google funds its future projects and turns them into profit centers with these very earnings/ revenues.   Artificial Intelligence is the next step in the future technology and Google is deploying all its resources into its development.   FAQ Is it risky to invest in Google?  Keeping the Great Recession of 2007-08 as a reference, the selling pressure was affected greatly on all stocks (including Google) by falling 65% from 2007-end to early 2009. But even during this time, not only did Google continue to increase income, but it also quickly made up for all of its losses as soon as the economy started expanding and the stock market stabilized.  What are some ways to buy Google shares in India?  You can buy Google shares in India directly using a US brokerage account, through US ETF, or through mutual funds.  What is the minimum amount required to buy Google shares? Although as of Jan’22, one share of Alphabet costs $2,789.61, you can buy a part of Google stock at only $1.   How to invest in Google from India? You can trade in Google from India by registering on a US brokerage account using technological platforms that provide this service or through a foreign brokerage with a direct presence in India.
Learn to invest in Netflix from India

Learn to invest in Netflix from India

Friends, Ghoul, Sacred Games, The Office, etc., are some shows which have been seen and relished by the people here in India. One common thing about these shows is that all are available on one platform, Netflix. Since its debut in India, Netflix has become the biggest OTT platform!    Netflix, Inc. is an American provider of over-the-top media services based in Los Gatos, California. The company's core business is its subscription-based streaming service, which allows online streaming of a library of films and television programs, including those created in-house. It was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California. Netflix's corporate offices are at 121 Albright Way in Los Gatos, California. In addition to the United States, they operate offices in the Netherlands, Brazil, India, Japan, and South Korea.   There are various reasons why Netflix is the most popular streaming service. Netflix offers a superior recommendation system that advises what entertainment to watch based on popular shows, general viewer interest, and specific shows the user has previously enjoyed. Netflix tests these algorithms with its consumers and makes improvements as needed. In addition, data mining aids Netflix in recommendations. Netflix also took a risk by investing in original content production. Still, it paid off because some of the most famous and successful shows in recent years have aired on Netflix rather than on more established networks. Netflix has been able to maintain a dedicated following and a competitive edge due to this.   Netflix is one of the few stocks every investor should consider. Let's first look at some real stuff before we proceed.  Latest market close $371.73 52-week range 351.46 - 700.99 Dividend yield  NA Earnings per share  $10.68 Beta 1 Market Capitalization $ 164 billion Average Volume (3m) 7,295,226 PE ratio  33.88  Three ways to invest in Netflix from India  1. The direct way   You can trade in Netflix from India by registering on a US brokerage account using technological platforms that provide this service or through a foreign brokerage with a direct presence in India. To start with this, you only need your PAN card and proof of address.   Netflix's share price was US $525.69 on January 14, 2022, which is over forty thousand rupees. However, the premium price of Netflix shares should not stop you from investing in them because some platforms allow you to participate in fractional shares. With just $1, you can buy a part of a Google stock and own a piece of the corporation.   Additional read: How to invest in Google from India? 2. The ETF way   One way to invest in Netflix stocks from India is through an exchange-traded fund (ETF). ETFs are a grouping of stocks and bonds traded as a single fund. They're comparable to mutual funds in that they're invested in a pool of money. ETFs, on the other hand, are exchanged on the stock exchange and offer a simple and inexpensive way to gain access to a category of market or a group of companies. Buying an ETF via a platform is one way to invest in ETFs.   You can invest in the Invesco QQQ Trust, which contains Netflix as one of its top holdings.   Another option for investing in Netflix stocks from India is to purchase ETFs that invest in US indices such as the Nasdaq 100. Netflix is holding the Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF. You don't need to create a US brokerage account to invest in these ETFs. However, tracking errors in these ETFs may influence your returns.   Additional read: How to invest in Nasdaq from India? 3. The Mutual Fund way   In this case, you will be investing in funds of funds, a domestic mutual fund that invests in a mutual fund available in the United States. Since the investment would be made in Indian rupees, there is no investment restriction. Netflix is included in several mutual funds, such as the Edelweiss' US Technology Fund of Fund but only to a minimal level. Furthermore, this strategy may prove to be more costly. An annual expense ratio will be required of you. The expense ratio of these funds is typically greater, as it includes an additional expenditure levied by the core global schemes they invest in, in addition to the usual India fund administration fee.   A note of caution here is to remember to evaluate your risk profile before purchasing any investment. Directly investing in equities like Netflix would be a greater risk strategy for your portfolio. FAQs Can I invest in Netflix directly from India? Yes, you can invest in Netflix from India on the EduFund. Download the App, and set up your US account for free without any commission or opening charges. You also get a first-year free on-account maintenance. Once it's set up, you can invest in all the top US stocks on your own! What is the Netflix stock price currently? Netflix's current price is at $411. How to start investing in Netflix? There are several ways to start investing in Netflix. You can directly invest in the company by buying its stocks through an app, you can invest in the company indirectly by investing in mutual funds or ETFs that will buy the stock as a part of their portfolio.
Why invest in Coca-Cola from India?

Why invest in Coca-Cola from India?

As per Statista’s findings, “Coca-Cola is one of the top companies in the world by market capitalization”. The name is among the leading companies like – Apple, Alphabet, Tesla, and Amazon.  Market capitalization is a critical parameter considered in calculating a company’s worth and the trading opportunities it presents. Coca-Cola is considered one of the biggest companies in the world as per the Market Value Index 2022.  Having such a high market capital ratio and being well-known for its “formula”, Coca-Cola shares opportunities for investors, particularly Indian.  However, many investors find it complicated to seek a way to invest the right way from India. Yes, you can invest in Coca-Cola stock from India. The blog states the best and easiest ways to invest in Coca-Cola from India.   Coca-Cola: One of the leading beverage companies in the World  Coca-Cola is a key beverage company in the world. Atlanta, Georgia, is the company's headquarters. Globally, it has 200 bottling partners.  Coca cola’s net worth as per July 2022 statistics stands at $273.71 billion. There would be hardly any personality in the world who would fail to recognize the iconic letters describing the bottle. It is this aspect that captures the investor’s attention.  To talk about its bottles, have undergone constant evolution since 1886. It is the year that marked the invention of the iconic brand. The taste soon got popular in the UK and the brand became the first to cross the annual £1 grocery sales. What does the Coca-Cola market benefit the most from?   Coca-Cola is well known for manufacturing different beverages:  Beverage concentrates  Syrups  Sparkling soft drinks  Fruit drinks  Water  Sports drink  Juice  Plant-based drinks  Tea  Here is how its product segment contributes to the company’s growth: Product Segment Company contribution Coca Cola 17% Diet Coke 17% Coke Zero, Sprite Zero 14% Powerade and other brands 14%  What are the main motivations to invest in Coca-Cola than Pepsi from India?   Here are some popular reasons to invest in Coca from India in 2022: Coca Cola Stock PepsiCo Stock Coca-Cola's cash stash of $17 billion accounts for 53% of stakeholder’s equity  Coca Cola's cash stash of $17 billion accounts for 53% of stakeholder’s equity  It has a global market share of 8.4%. It shares greater pricing flexibility than Pepsi.co It has a global market share of 3.6% It has a no.1 market spot globally PepsiCo has a grand presence It deals only in Beverages It deals in beverages and snacks  Why does Warren Buffet love Coca-Cola so much? Ever wondered why Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathway owns a 400 million or 9.2% stake in the company? According to Business Insider’s statistics, Berkshire Hathway invested $1.3 billion investing in Coca-Cola. The price of Coca-Cola stock rose 2% in 2022. It is not it. Here are other reasons Warren Buffet, the famous Angel investor, relies on Coca-Cola’s future.  He believed it to be an undervalued brand being the biggest beverage industry dominator  The company launched fresh brands of juices, sports drinks, coffee, and bottled water in 1988. The annual revenue rose from $8.3 billion in 1988 to $38.7 billion in 2021  It buys back its stocks (major reason).  He deems it as a “FOREVER STOCK Additional read: How to invest in Netflix from India? What is the Coca-Cola company's share price in India in 2022?  As of 8th July 2022, the share price of Coca-Cola stands at ₹4.9k.  Is it ideal to invest in Coca-Cola from India in 2022?   Here are some popular reasons to invest in Coca-Cola from India in 2022: The stock price of Coca-Cola has risen by 17% from 2021.  As per the Economic Times, “Cola-Cola is to make “Maaza” a $ 1 billion brand by 2023.”  Undoubtedly, the stock will rise in the upcoming times and subside any US inflation fears.  Additional read: How to invest in Google from India How to invest in Coca-Cola from India?   Coca-Cola owns popular brands like- Minute Maid, Fanta, Maaza, and Coke Zero. You can invest in Coca-Cola from India in multiple ways:  1. Direct investment in the US stock  You can invest in Coca-Cola from a brokerage account in India. It is an account that holds financial securities or securities either with a bank, broker or custodian. Investors and traders hold accounts with the respective broker and the bank. They buy and sell stocks through the security account.  To invest in Coca-Cola from India, you can open up a US brokerage account by choosing from multiple platforms available.   Or use a foreign brokerage sharing a direct presence in India.  2. Invest through ETF Funds   Another option through which you can invest in Coca-Cola is through ETF funds. An Exchange-Type Fund (ETF) is a pooled investment that works like a mutual fund. It tracks funds under index, commodity, asset, and sector.    It can be purchased and traded similarly to other stocks. ETF holds funds for different industries like- Household products, beverages, staples, food, etc. Some ETFs invest in US indexes. You can invest in Coca from India through ETFs of the US available in India.  4. Coca-Cola Mutual funds In India    It is one of the straightforward methods to invest in US Coca-Cola Stock. In this, you can invest in local mutual funds that share availability in the US. One can invest in Indian Rupees. There are no restrictions to that. However, there may be a charge to invest in the stock from India. The fee is known as the Expense ratio.    These fees tend to be high. If you are a beginner investor, it might not be an ideal stock for you. It shares potential risks. However, the stock is performing well, but the fee makes investment costlier. Evaluate the risk appetite and invest in an informed manner.   As per the research, Coca-Cola stock is the stock of the “Future”. It certainly holds the potential for an investor to multiply his wealth. Advantages of investing in Coca-Cola 1. Renowned company Coca-Cola is one of the world’s largest companies, which sells beverages in at least 200 countries in the world through wholesalers, retailers, and partners. Coca-Cola has more than 500 beverage brands. Out of the top 5 beverages in the world, four are owned by the soda giant.    2. Can withstand recession There are so many stocks that do well during the bull market and struggle when a recession hits. But Coca-Cola is one of the few companies that can withstand recession with minimal loss compared to other companies.   3. Dividend  The growing dividends are one of the big advantages of Coca-Cola. Many reports suggest that the company gave out dividends to its shareholders even during the most challenging times.    Disadvantages of investing in Coca-Cola 1. Potential product slide Though it’s very hard to see a company as big as Coca-Cola lose customers, there has been a slight mindset change amongst people, with many choosing the healthy way. People are starting to be vocal about staying away from sugary drinks to concentrate on fitness. This could be a minor concern for a potential investor.  2. Expensive stocks   Coca-Cola stocks are expensive. One might think given the brand name and size of the company, the prices are justified, but with recent performances and future expectations of the stock, a few investors could have second thoughts because of its price.   How to invest in Coca-Cola from India?   Though it may sound complicated, it’s quite easy to invest in Coca-Cola from India. The EduFund app allows you to invest in the US market through US ETFs. Follow the instructions to invest in the app:   Enter the app and click the Invest option in the dashboard   You will see Mutual Funds, the US Market, and Digital Gold options on the screen   Click the US Market, and it will show the Top US Stocks option   Click the View All option, and you will see Coca-Cola fund among the best companies in the world   Choose Coca-Cola fund and start investing   You can invest in Coca-Cola from India in the above-mentioned ways. Keep a check on market fluctuation, fees, and risks. Are you ready to invest in Coca-Cola? FAQs Why should I invest in Coca-Cola?   Statista states that “Coca-Cola is one of the top companies in the world by market capitalization”. The name is among the leading companies like – Apple, Alphabet, Tesla, and Amazon. Market capitalization is a critical parameter considered in calculating a company’s worth and the trading opportunities it presents. Coca-Cola is considered one of the biggest companies in the world as per the Market Value Index 2022   Why did Coke pull out of India?   The Indian government demanded Coca-Cola reveal its secret syrup formula, which led Coca-Cola to pull out of the Indian market in 1977. The brand returned to India in 2003.    What was the strategy of Coca-Cola for the Indian Market?   Coca-Cola acquired local brands like Thumbs Up, Maaza, Limca, and others to expand its global branding. Its excellent marketing campaigns, like sponsoring significant cricket tournaments and involving youth celebrities of the country to market the product, were masterstrokes.    Can I invest in Coca-Cola from India?   You can invest in Coca-Cola stocks from India through US ETFs. The EduFund app offers customers the option of investing in Coca-Cola through US ETFs!   How can I invest directly in Coca- Cola? Yes, you can invest in Coca-COla from India on the EduFund. Download the App, set up your US account for free without any commission or opening charges. You also get first year free on account maintenance. Once its set up, you can invest in all the top US stocks on your own! What is the share price of Coca-Cola? It is $56.49 currently.
Saving for your child’s future education amidst rupee depreciation!

Saving for your child’s future education amidst rupee depreciation!

As the Indian market is witnessing continuous withdrawals of foreign investments, the USD/INR hit its record low of Rs.80.23 on the 14th of July. As the experts predicted, the rupee hit 80 levels against the U.S. dollar in July 2022, causing a significant shock among investors. Are you worried about saving for your kid's education abroad when the rupee is falling significantly? In this article, let's see how you can hedge over the rising USD rate to save up for a child's higher education. Why has the rupee depreciated? The intrinsic value of the Indian rupee to the U.S. Dollar works on a demand-supply basis. With a higher demand for the U.S. Dollar, the value of the Indian rupee depreciates and vice-versa. The rupee's fall these days is mainly due to high crude oil prices, a strong dollar overseas, and foreign capital outflows. The rupee has declined since early this year, especially after supply chain disruptions because of the Russia-Ukraine war, global economic challenges, inflation, and high crude oil prices, among other issues. Besides, there have been heavy foreign fund outflows from the domestic markets as foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have sold shares worth Rs.2.84 lakh crores this year compared to the withdrawal of Rs. 552 crores in the initial eight months of 2021. As money flows out of India, the rupee-dollar exchange rate gets impacted, depreciating the rupee. Such depreciation puts considerable pressure on the high import prices of crude and raw materials, paving the path for higher imported inflation and production costs besides higher retail inflation What opportunity does this USD appreciation give you? The U.S. Dollar Index has touched levels it hadn’t reached in 10 years. Since the beginning of this year, it has gained 8 percent in value. The main reasons for the rise in the USD rate are an increase in the Fed rate, the Russia-Ukraine war, global sanctions on Russia, soaring commodity prices, China's lockdowns due to covid 19, and Europe's and Japan's economic slowdowns. International investment acts as a hedge against rupee depreciation, also known as currency risk. With the recent rupee fall, Indian investors should take advantage of this opportunity by investing in the U.S. market. Your Indian stock market investments are in INR. However, when you invest overseas (in the U.S. stock markets), it is denoted in dollars. You first convert your money into USD as per the exchange rate to invest and then back to rupee terms during redemption. Whenever the rupee depreciates against the dollar, it means that you earn an additional return on your U.S. investments. You can see how much the USD has appreciated over the past year. In July 2021, the USD to INR rate was recorded at 74.33. On 14th July 2022, the USD to INR was at a record high of Rs. 80.23. After this, the dollar attained a rate of Rs. 79.85 on 24th August 2022. What would this mean for your investment? Overall, the USD has seen a 7.43% increase in its value in INR terms. Let’s understand this with an illustration. If you invest Rs. 10000 in any fund in July 2021 when USD/INR was Rs. 74.33, the investment in Dollar terms is $134. Let’s assume the investments have earned a net return of 0%. Even then, if you redeem it on 24th August 2022, when the USD/INR rate was at Rs. 79.85 compared to the previous rate, your investments are valued at Rs. 10742.63, giving you a gain of Rs.742.63 in a year. Thus, a rupee depreciation results in gains for owners of assets and receivers of income in USD. Saving for your child’s future education amidst this situation When you plan to send your child abroad, for their higher education, as a parent, you are prepared to bear the expenses in that country's currency. Let's take the U.S. in this case. When you send your kid to a renowned college or university in the U.S., you have to pay the tuition fees, living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses in dollars. As a typical Indian, we always convert Dollars to INR, which we should also do since the income is INR. Now imagine, when you are saving up in INR, is it possible for you to bridge the gap between the two currencies? There would be a significant mismatch in what you're saving vs what you would be spending in dollar terms. But, when you invest in global markets, the U.S. market, in this case, gives you an upper hand to beat inflation and your domestic currency depreciation. If you want to spend in dollars, it is always better to invest in dollars. Now, how is this possible? The significant modes of investment in the U.S. market would be direct stocks, mutual funds, U.S. ETFs, Options, Forex, etc. The most optimum modes of investment in these options would be direct stocks in the U.S. stock market and U.S. ETFs. ETFs are a basket of securities traded on the stock market. ETFs are always a good choice for beginners and investors who do not have much time to invest and manage their investments actively. This investment mode is less time-consuming and offers exposure to every sector and segment of the market, dependent on the investment style of the investors. Conclusion The trade deficits will continue for quite some time, and the rupee is likely to reach 82 levels against the dollar in the third quarter, as per the analysts at Nomura. The rupee might already touch 80 levels before this month's end since there are no positive movements from the MPC committee to tackle the soaring inflation in India or the depreciating rupee value. Moreover, heavy FII inflow in the U.S. market has increased the dollar demand significantly, increasing the USD value. To prepare for your child's higher education, investing in the global markets provides a hedge over currency risk and prepares you for the expenses in that country's currency. With the rising USD rates, you can also see a fundamental value rise in your investment in the dollar. FAQs Why is the rupee depreciating? With a higher demand for the U.S. Dollar, the value of the Indian rupee depreciates and vice-versa. How can you protect your child's savings from currency depreciation in India? A common method to protect your child's savings from currency depreciation is to invest in global markets. Choose US stocks and US ETFs, diversify your portfolio, and invest directly in US dollars so that your child's education savings grow along with the strongest currency. Are international investments a good option? Yes, global investments are good. International investment acts as a hedge against rupee depreciation, also known as currency risk. With the recent rupee fall, Indian investors should take advantage of this opportunity by investing in the U.S. market.
The cheapest city in India to live in!

The cheapest city in India to live in!

Based on global standards, India is considered one of the most affordable countries in the world, but ever wondered which are the cheapest city in India? Most Indian cities offer optimal value for life at nominal expenses.  Raising a child involves paying for grocery items, vaccinations or medical expenses, school fees, uniforms and textbooks, transport costs, daycare, extra-curricular activities, vacations, etc.  There are several cheap cities in India where raising your child is a piece of cake. The low cost of living and schooling in these cities makes it easy to lead a life of contentment. 10 cheapest cities in India to raise your child 1. Udaipur Udaipur is known for its scenic beauty, peaceful environment, and historical sites. Rent, traveling, education, food, and clothing are available at affordable rates.  Despite being a major tourist destination, Udaipur is one of the cheapest Indian cities where parents can easily maintain a good living standard. The average cost of living is just INR 28,300 per month, and parents can afford to send their children to good schools and pay for other expenses without stretching their budgets.  2. Ahmedabad Ahmedabad is emerging as one of the fastest-growing Indian cities because of its industrial, educational, and economic centers. The average cost of living is INR 35,000 per month as accommodation, transportation, food, and related expenses are all cheap.  Ahmedabad caters to the section of people who are looking for a convenient living experience. It retains the charm in terms of simple living, and this is why the highly developed city remains a top choice for parents who want to raise their children in a cheaper city. 3. Chennai Chennai, the social capital of South India, is one of the safest and cheapest cities that boasts of people with warm and welcoming nature. The economically sound metropolitan city has beautiful beaches, incredible temples, amazing churches, and some of the finest schools and colleges in India.   The average cost of living in Chennai is INR 35,000 per month, out of which average rent costs as little as INR 6,000/ month and average school fees INR 5,000/month. Transport cost in the city is also affordable.  Cheap house rent, low cost of grocery items, reasonable transportation rates, excellent job openings, and a rich educational heritage encourages parents with young children to reside here and take advantage of available opportunities.  4. Hyderabad Innumerable families have relocated to Hyderabad in recent years not just because of the job opportunities but because it is one of the cheapest cities in India where parents can raise their children easily.  The average cost of living in Hyderabad is estimated at INR 37,500 per month, and folks with decent jobs can provide a lavish life to their dependents.  Along with the IT industry, Hyderabad is also known for its historical sites, upscale restaurants, malls, and educational institutions. The city offers numerous options to people who want to live within their means and raise their children without worrying about expenses.  Most expensive colleges in India Read More 5. Kolkata Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is one of the cheapest cities in India based on variables like rent, travel, and food expenses. The metropolitan city is an important cultural and educational hub and hence is considered a favorite of parents who want to raise their children in an affordable environment.  Kolkata is a safe city with a low crime rate, proper transportation facilities, good schools, and lots of recreational centers. The average cost of living in Kolkata is around INR 40,000 per month, and the average fee structure of schools is INR 4000/per month.  There are good schools at reasonable distances so that the transportation cost is also low. It becomes easy for parents to send their children to a respectable school with a lower fee structure.  Kolkata is one of the cities that ensures a perfect balance of school activities and studies and hence is a preferred location for parents who want to provide better education to their children at reasonable rates.  Additional read: Top 5 business schools in the world 6. Bengaluru Besides being the corporate hub, Bengaluru is surprisingly one of the cheapest cities in India to live in. The cost of living in the capital city of Karnataka is quite low (INR 40,000/month) as the rent, grocery expenses, and transportation costs are also less.  Bengaluru is a city with lots of schools for young children and universities for students who want to pursue higher education. The reasonable fee structure (INR 5,000 to INR 7,000 per month) and numerous career opportunities make it an ideal location for parents to raise their children. 7. Jaipur India's pink palace is not only a beautiful city to live in but also inexpensive. The average monthly cost of living for a family in Jaipur is INR 37,000 - INR 1,00,000. As a student or working professional, it can be cheaper and more cost-efficient. Jaipur is one of the cheapest cities in India. The everyday expenses are fairly priced, the city is well-connected with tons of cheap transportation alternatives and there are many affordable apartments with an average rent of Rs. 16, 000 to 17,000 for a single person. 8. Kochi Kochi is a beautiful coastal city located in the God's state of Kerala. The average cost of living in the city is INR 26,000 to INR 30,000 for a single person. It is an amazing city to live in for nature lovers and a great blend of nature & modernity. Kochi is a great place to raise your children as Kerala is ranked highest in terms of education and healthcare. The state prioritizes good quality education and affordable healthcare in terms of development. 9. Kanpur Kanpur is a city located in Uttar Pradesh. Popularly known for its academic excellence and housing India's most popular academic institute - Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. It is one of the cheapest cities in India with an average cost of living at INR 20000 to INR 30000. The city is home to engineering students from all over the country and has a beautiful culture of academic pursuit and history. This small city is well-connected with big cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Agra and is ranked one of the most inexpensive cities as well. 10. Indore Indore is a city located in Madhya Pradesh and is known for its temples, lakes, and culture. The monthly cost of living in this city is INR 20,000 to INR 30, 000 for an individual. The city is located in the heart of the state and is extremely well-connected with the rest of India. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in India and you can rent a single-bedroom apartment for INR 10,000. It is a student paradise due to its affordability, charm, and cuisine. Conclusion The average cost of living in Indian cities is substantially lower compared to other global cities. Parents can afford to send their children to good schools because of affordable fee structures. Moreover, they can maintain a good standard of living without compromising on reasonable luxuries. FAQs What is the cheapest city to live in in India? The cheapest city in India is Kolkata, Kochi, Kanpur, Indore, and many more. What are the 10 cheapest cities to live? Udaipur Ahmedabad Chennai Hyderabad Kolkata Bengaluru Jaipur Kochi Kanpur Indore Which state in India has the lowest cost of living? Uttar Pradesh in India has the lowest cost of living in the subcontinent. Which Indian city is costly? Mumbai is the most costly city in India. The average rent for a shared room in the city is INR 25,000 and more. What is the cheapest city to live in India? Based on last update in September 2021, cities like Patna, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati were known for lower living costs. Can living costs change over time? Yes, living costs can change due to various factors, so it's essential to check the most recent data and cost-of-living indices for updated information. What factors make a city cheap to live in? Lower housing costs, affordable food, and transportation options often contribute to a city's affordability.
Can you repay your education loans before time?

Can you repay your education loans before time?

For parents who desire to send their children to continue higher education but cannot financially do so on their own, an education loan is certainly a blessing. Many people eventually sell off family belongings, including gold, to pay for their children's further education. With the aid of an education loan, you may preserve these priceless possessions while paying for your child’s education. Few loans for higher education may need collateral, and few won’t. Many education loans from the country’s top lenders are available to pay for different courses. Whatever form of student loan you decide to take out, you must have a reliable repayment schedule in place. By doing this, you or your child will be able to pay the monthly payments without going into default. You've come to the right place if you need assistance managing student loans. Apply for Education Loan Tips to repay education loans faster 1. Advice for managing student loan debt Are you soon to take out a student loan? Continue reading for some practical advice on managing student loans. 2. Select a loan with a shorter term A brief tenure is a fantastic choice for managing student loans. While a shorter loan term can result in higher EMI payments, it will also enable you to save significantly on interest payments. Now, this does not imply that you choose EMIs that are too expensive for you to afford. Instead, go with the shortest tenure you can handle. To figure out how much you can afford to pay each month for your student loan, use an EMI calculator. How Does Education Loan Work? Read More 3. Pick a suitable repayment strategy Choosing the appropriate repayment option is the best method to manage student loans. You will have several repayment choices from your lender. Pick the option that fits your budget the best. You must be mindful of the duration of your moratorium. You will then be aware of how much time your child has left to obtain employment and save funds before the first EMI is due. Do not forget to consider how much they can expect to make in their first job. You can determine the appropriate tenure and EMI with the help of all of this. Without such careful planning, you can end up selecting an EMI that would be very expensive for both of you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EAyvncisU4 4. Set up automatic payments Missing loan installments might seriously harm your child's financial situation. Their credit score may be impacted, and they may incur late fees as a result. Just ask them to set up automatic withdrawals from their savings account so you won't have to worry about missing payments. They won't incur any missed EMI charges because these payments will be made on time. They will be able to retain a good credit score with regular payments. In turn, a good credit score is beneficial for making future loan applications. Education Loan Repayment Strategy Read More 5. Pay off interest during the moratorium Your payments don't start right away when you take out an education loan. They start after the moratorium has ended. The moratorium is a six-month or one-year period that starts when you finish your course. The interest on your child’s school loan starts to build the instant they receive the funding, even if your payments won't start until the moratorium is over. Therefore, it would be good to begin paying this interest while your child is still attending school. The best student loan advice you will likely receive is this. While still in college, your child might want to think about having a part-time job. The money they make from this job can be used to pay off their student loans. Either of you will significantly reduce the total amount that must be paid if you pay off this simple interest before it accumulates. 6. Make additional loan repayments Did you get a pay raise at work? Or perhaps your relatives gave you some cash as a gift. You might want to think about increasing your student loan payments if you get some extra money. This is a fantastic strategy to reduce the overall payback burden. Making larger payments on your student loan may enable you to pay it off earlier. One of the best pieces of advice for properly managing student loans is this. Check with your lender to see if there are any prepayment charges, though. Before going through your loan application process, you can check the fine print or ask your lender whether there are any penalties. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fufyFB9aMQI Conclusion The repayments of a loan can be very stressful. You and your child should do whatever you can to make it easier. These points will help reduce the burden on them and help them go through the process. If after this there are any questions, advice, or information you need, EduFund’s team of financial advisors is available to talk to you FAQs Can I repay my education loans before the scheduled time? Yes, most education loans allow early repayment without penalties. Check with your lender for specific terms. Are there benefits to repaying education loans early? Yes, early repayment can save you on interest costs and improve your credit score faster. What should I consider before repaying my education loans early? Ensure there are no prepayment penalties, evaluate your financial situation, and prioritize higher-interest debts first. Is there an option to repay your education loan before time in India? There are NO penalty charges for prepayment. You can prepay your education loan anytime. Can we close the education loan before tenure? Before prepaying your education loan, you should consult your lender to understand whether they will levy any kind of prepayment penalty. In India, there are no penalties on prepayment but it's important to consult and check to avoid extra payments. Connect with our Loan Experts
Scholarships vs. Bursaries

Scholarships vs. Bursaries

Scholarships and Bursaries are financial awards offered to students interested in pursuing their education. Various guidelines and conditions are attached to their application which makes them both similar and dissimilar to each other.  In this article, before discussing the differences between scholarships vs bursaries, let us go through the definitions of a bursary and scholarship to get a clearer picture of them.  What are Scholarships? Scholarships are non-repayable financial assistance offered to students to encourage talent. It can be both merit and need-based and is usually offered to a specific category of students. Scholarships are also country-based and are offered to students who want to study abroad in specific countries.  Scholarships cover educational costs (like tuition fees), and costs of living (like maintenance, accommodation, transportation, etc.).  What makes you an ideal candidate for a scholarship? Read More What are Bursaries? Bursaries are financial aid offered by colleges, universities, foundations, or governments to students for their education. These are meant for students who belong to low-income households and are unable to meet their educational expenses. Bursaries are need-based and not merit-based. It covers the living costs of the student in a specific year. Apply for Scholarship Key differences between Scholarships vs. Bursaries The key differences between scholarships vs. bursaries based on various parameters are as follows- 1. Financial status The financial status of a student is not necessarily taken into consideration while awarding the scholarships, whereas the opposite is true for a bursary as it is given to students facing financial difficulties in paying their education fees.  2. Purpose The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial aid to students who are gifted in terms of talent or an area of expertise so that the funds can promote their education. The purpose of offering bursaries, on the other hand, is to offer financial support or monetary funds to students who are unable to pay their education fees.  Thus, the purpose of scholarships is to boost skills and bursaries are to avoid financial struggles.  3. Types There are different types of scholarships like merit-based scholarships, talent-based scholarships, and merit-cum-need based scholarships whereas bursaries are only need-based financial supports. 4. The offering Party The scholarships and bursaries are offered by schools, universities, governments, or third parties like a foundation. In the case of scholarships, the third party is usually interested in promoting talent, whereas, in the case of bursaries, it is to help the recipient avoid financial problems.  5. Offered to Scholarships are based on the academic performance of the student or achievements in specific categories like music, sports, etc., or based on need. Bursaries are offered only based on need so that the students can pay the education fees and continue with their studies.  6. Area of consideration The main area of consideration while awarding scholarships is the merit and skills of the student whereas the financial status is the primary area of consideration while offering a bursary.  7. Paying back Scholarships are non-refundable awards offered to students with exceptional talent. If the student does not agree to the terms and conditions of the offered scholarship then he has to pay back the money at a later period.  Some bursaries claim a specific percentage of the offered fund once the student gets a job and starts earning. If the student cannot complete the education or has to leave it midway he will have to pay back a specific percentage of the offered bursary that he has received for that specific year.  8. Related conditions Specific conditions are attached to both scholarships and bursaries and the students have to follow them at all costs. When the student is offered a bursary, he has to agree to work for the offering party for a specific time.  The primary condition of a scholarship is that the student will have to maintain exemplary grades. Only sometimes does the scholarship require the student to work for the organization offering the scholarship.  9. Benefits The benefits offered under scholarships vs. bursaries vary to a great extent. Scholarship often covers the entire or a part of tuition fees along with a discount on maintenance costs, transport expenses, and the cost of books. Bursaries on the other hand offer monetary aid to cover education expenses and sometimes include one-off payments for meeting living costs.  The education cost calculator on the EduFund App helps to get an estimate of the future education so that the student can know the scholarship or bursary amount that will be sufficient to meet his requirements.   FAQs What is a Scholarship? The scholarship is financial aid given to students mainly on academic merit. Sometimes, it is also given on the basis of gender, needs, field of study, race, or economic background. What is a Bursary? A bursary is an amount of money given to a student by an educational institution to pay for their studies. How often do I get a Bursary? Bursaries are usually offered to students for one academic year and they need to re-apply every year till they finish the duration of their studies. How many bursaries can I get? Some Bursaries cover tuition fees either fully or partially. Others might cover living costs and some might also provide assistance for a specific purpose, for example, to purchase expensive equipment required for your education. What is the difference between a Scholarship and a Bursary? The primary difference between a Scholarship and a Bursary is that a Scholarship is offered to students based on academic merit and Bursary is offered to students who need monetary assistance for their education.
Factors responsible for the education inflation rate in India?

Factors responsible for the education inflation rate in India?

When we talk about education inflation, most statistics focus on foreign education. Yet, with the privatization of schools in India and the competitive nature of local universities, education inflation is bourgeoning in India, too.   Education costs grew faster than the food and healthcare inflation between 2012 and 2020. While food and healthcare inflation rose at 9.62% and 8%, respectively, education inflation grew by 10% every year during the mentioned period.   This is extremely scary given the lack of awareness around education costs among parents. The scariest bit is that even the pandemic had no effect on the rising education costs. The cost of education grew both in India and abroad during and post the pandemic. According to a survey conducted by the Indian government, education inflation rose by 4.12% in India after the pandemic.  In countries like the UK and the US, education inflation rose to 10%, touching an all-time high. This has impacted the fee structures of colleges and living costs in these countries. According to a survey by The National Centre for Education Statistics, the average fee for a 4-year degree program in the US was around Rs.25,22,000 in 2010-2011 and it has increased to Rs. 29,91,000 for the year 2020-2021.  There is an assumption among parents that education costs can be taken care of when the child is ready for school or college. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Here are a few examples of the increase in college education in India and abroad:   The tuition fees of undergraduate courses at (the Indian Institute of Technology) IITs doubled (from Rs.90,000 to Rs.2 lakhs) post the hard-hitting pandemic in 2021.   According to data from the Unified District Information System for Education, approximately 39% of students aged 20-24 dropped out of college to help their families increase their household income.   Many Australian universities increased their tuition fees for arts and humanities courses by 113% between 2020 and 2021.   The average cost of attending a four-year college or university in the US rose by 497% between 1985-1986 and 2017-2018 academic years, which is more than twice the rate of annual inflation in the same period.   Post the pandemic, many overseas universities hiked their college fees for 2022-2023.   The total cost of education for an undergraduate program at Harvard University for one academic year has increased from Rs.65,38,000 in 2021-2022 to Rs.68,15,000 in 2022-2023. Understanding the Phenomena of Education Inflation Read More What makes it worse is the many hidden charges that can push the education budget up further. Take, for instance, the cost of exam registration fees. It has seen an approximate 6.7% hike in the last year. The hike in the cost of transport, food, and student accommodation contributes to the overall increase in education costs.   The tuition fees of colleges in India have seen a major rise in the past few years. Here is some data on how course fees of specific courses may increase in the future based on the rise in fees over the past few years.  The cost of an MBA in 2020 was 31 lakhs; the estimated cost of an MBA in 2030 is 61 lakhs.     The cost of an MBBS in 2020 was 50 lakhs; the estimated cost of an MBBS in 2030 is 80 lakhs.     The cost of Engineering in 2020 was 16 lakhs; the estimated cost of Engineering in 2030 is 40 lakhs.     The cost of Hotel Management in 2020 was 2.4 lakhs; the estimated cost of Hotel Management in 2030 is 4.78 lakhs.  Important factors responsible for education inflation 1. The rising cost of amenities The hike in the cost of food, accommodation, transport, and other living expenses is crucial to the cost of education.   2. Increase in the number of educators As the number of universities and colleges grows by the day, the need for educators has increased too. This is another key factor in the rise in education costs.   3. The rise in demand for higher education Higher education is not an option anymore but a necessity. It plays a major role in an individual’s financial success and growth.   Given the education inflation, it’s imperative for parents to plan ahead and save for their child’s education. It’s the most effective way they can support their child’s dream by sending them to a quality university. FAQs What are the changes in the education system in India? Ans. Changes in the Indian education system have been ongoing and multifaceted. Some notable changes include the introduction of digital learning platforms, the emphasis on skill-based education, increased access to online education, and the revision of curriculum and examination patterns to reduce stress on students. What is the concept of the new education policy? Ans. The New Education Policy (NEP) is a comprehensive reform introduced in India. Its key concepts include the promotion of a multi-disciplinary and flexible curriculum, the establishment of a 5+3+3+4 school education structure, an emphasis on early childhood education, a focus on skill development and vocational training, and an increased use of technology in education. The NEP aims to transform the Indian education system to make it more inclusive and globally competitive. What are the educational trends? Ans. Educational trends in India include the rise of online and blended learning, a growing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, personalized learning through adaptive technology, a shift towards competency-based education, and an increased focus on holistic development, including mental health and well-being of students. What are the changes in education in India? Ans. Changes in education in India encompass various reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of education. These include the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), a focus on experiential learning, the promotion of vocational education, and efforts to bridge educational disparities.
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