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Becoming a first-time parent is an incredible journey that brings a mix of excitement, joy, and a touch of apprehension. As you prepare to welcome your little bundle of joy into the world, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities that lie ahead. From financial planning to nurturing your baby's development and balancing work and parenthood, there's a lot to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate parenthood with confidence while also focusing on savings. So, let's dive in and embark on this remarkable adventure together! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw Beginner's Parenting Guide | First Timers 1. Preparing for Parenthood a) Financial Planning: Parenthood comes with financial responsibilities, so it's crucial to assess your current financial situation and set realistic goals. Consider the costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care, as well as ongoing expenses like diapers, formula, clothing, and healthcare. By understanding your financial standing, you can plan and budget effectively. b) Creating a Budget: Creating a comprehensive budget is an essential step in managing your finances as new parents. Track your income and expenses, and allocate funds for essential items while prioritising savings. Look for ways to cut costs and save money by comparing prices, buying second-hand items, or opting for cost-effective alternatives. c) Building an Emergency Fund: An emergency fund acts as a safety net for unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months' worth of living expenses, so you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. d) Insurance Coverage: Review your health insurance policy to understand the coverage for prenatal care, childbirth, and paediatric care. Additionally, consider life insurance and disability insurance to protect your family financially in case of unfortunate events. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmIpoajuvY 2. Nurturing Your Baby a) Feeding and Nutrition: Consult with a paediatrician to determine the best feeding method for your baby—whether breastfeeding or formula feeding. Ensuring your baby receives proper nutrition is essential for their growth and development. b) Sleep and Bedtime Routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can promote healthy sleep habits for both you and your baby. Create a calm and soothing environment that encourages restful sleep. c) Diapering and Potty Training: Choose between disposable and cloth diapers based on your preferences and budget. As your child grows, follow a structured potty training program to transition from diapers successfully. d) Health and Wellness: Regular check-ups with a paediatrician are vital to monitor your baby's growth, development, and overall well-being. Stay up-to-date with vaccinations and seek medical advice whenever necessary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKh7YxTo9yc 3. Childproofing Your Home a) Safety Measures: Identify potential hazards in your home and take the necessary steps to eliminate them. Install safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks, and secure furniture and heavy objects to prevent accidents. b) Baby proofing Checklist: Take precautions to create a safe environment for your little explorer. Remove small objects and choking hazards from their reach, and ensure all electrical outlets are secured. Education Planning Advice for New Parents Read More 4. Early Childhood Education a) Reading and Language Development: Start reading to your baby from an early age to promote language development and foster a love for books. Provide age-appropriate books and engage in interactive reading sessions to stimulate their imagination. b) Cognitive and Motor Skills: Encourage exploration and play to stimulate cognitive and motor skills. Provide toys and activities that promote problem-solving, creativity, and physical development. c) Social and Emotional Development: Create a nurturing and supportive environment for your child's social and emotional development. Encourage social interactions with other children and family members, and foster emotional expression by listening and responding to their needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peDFdmed0Nw 5. Building a Support System a) Seeking Parenting Resources: Expand your knowledge by reading books, articles, and online resources related to parenting. Attend parenting classes or workshops to learn from experts and gain valuable insights. b) Joining Parenting Communities: Connect with other parents through local groups, online forums, or social media platforms. Share experiences, seek advice, and build a support network that understands the joys and challenges of parenthood. c) Seeking Professional Help: Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Consult professionals such as paediatricians, therapists, or lactation consultants when needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed or experiencing postpartum depression, reach out for the support you deserve. Financial Goals for Millennial Parents Read More 6. Balancing Work and Parenthood a) Maternity and Paternity Leave: Understand your rights and benefits regarding maternity and paternity leave. Plan for the transition back to work and explore childcare options that align with your needs. b) Flexible Work Arrangements: In today's world, flexible work arrangements are increasingly common. Consider remote work options or flexible hours that can accommodate your parenting responsibilities. Open communication with your employer about your needs is crucial. c) Childcare Options: Research and choose the best childcare option for your family. Explore daycare centres, in-home care, or nanny services based on your preferences, budget, and availability. Financial Planning Tips for Parents Read More 7. Saving for Your Child's Future a) College Savings Plans: Research and open a college savings account, such as a 529 plan. Contribute regularly to save for your child's future education expenses. Starting early gives you more time to grow your savings. b) Investment Options: Explore long-term investment options to grow your savings. Consult with a financial advisor to make informed decisions based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. c) Teaching Financial Literacy: Educate your child about money management and saving from an early age. Encourage responsible spending habits, introduce the concept of saving, and teach them the value of delayed gratification. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD_LIbnYDFQ 8. Self-Care for Parents a) Managing Stress: Parenthood can be overwhelming at times, so it's crucial to prioritise self-care activities. Practice mindfulness, engage in regular exercise, and indulge in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. b) Prioritising Time for Yourself: Carve out time for yourself to recharge and rejuvenate. Seek support from your partner, family, or friends to take breaks when needed. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to be the best parent you can be. c) Seeking Support and Help: Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Whether it's leaning on your support system or seeking professional assistance, know that you're not alone on this journey. Conclusion Becoming a first-time parent is a transformative experience filled with countless moments of love, growth, and discovery. By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood with confidence while also focusing on savings. Remember to cherish the precious moments, embrace the adventure, and prioritise your child's well-being, your own self-care, and seek support when needed. Parenthood is an extraordinary journey, and you're ready to embark on it with all the love and dedication in your heart. Enjoy every step along the way! Talk To An Expert

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is the second-largest asset management company in India. With over Rs 5 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. ICICI offers products across asset classes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund Investment Objective The scheme's primary objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in opportunities presented by special situations such as corporate restructuring, Government policy and/or regulatory changes, companies going through temporary unique challenges, and other similar instances.  Investment Process   Concentrated portfolio: The scheme would take concentrated exposure to high-conviction stocks.  Market cap and sector Agnostic: The scheme has the flexibility to invest across market caps. Also, the scheme may take aggressive sectoral positions.  Bottom-up Approach: The investing style is a bottom-up stock picking style because the core of its investment strategy is identifying companies in special situations requiring rigorous 360-degree stock research.  Portfolio Composition  The fund had invested more than 66.49% of the funds in large-cap companies, 28.94% in mid-cap companies, and the remaining 4.57% in small-cap companies. Also, the fund is diversified across various sectors such as Pharma & Biotechnology, Automobiles, Banks, Telecom-Services, Finance, etc. The top five sectors hold approximately half of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th June. 2023. Source: ICICI Pru AMC, Value Research  Top 5 Holdings Name Sector Weightage % Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Oil 9.03 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Pharma and Biotech 7.76 Bharti Airtel Ltd. Telecom Services 6.76 NTPC Ltd. Energy 6.40 Infosys Ltd. Information Technology 5.40 Note: Data as of 30th June 2023. Source: ICICI Pru AMC Performance Since Inception  If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs 22,240. Note: Fund performance as of 30th June 2023 since launch; Inception Date:15th January 2019.  Source: icicipruamc.com  The fund has performed consistently and has generated an annualized return of 19.64% since inception. The fund has outperformed both benchmarks consistently.  Invest in Fund Fund Manager  Mr. Sankaran Naren and Mr. Roshan Chutkey ably manage the fund. Mr. Sankaran Naren has over 31 years of experience, and Mr. Roshan Chutkey has over 14 years of experience.  Who Should Invest?  The scheme is suitable for investors with an appetite for volatility and who would like to benefit from taking concentrated stock bets. Investors looking to benefit from investment opportunities presented by special situations such as corporate restructuring, Government policy and/or regulatory changes, companies going through temporary unique challenges, or other similar instances face time to time may consider investing in the scheme.  Why Invest in ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund?  Special situations are unique situations that companies may face from time to time.   These situations present an investment opportunity to a fund manager who can foresee and interpret the implications of that opportunity.  ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund has performed consistently following this investment strategy.    Ideal Time Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of five years or more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help tackle broader equity market volatility.  Conclusion  The scheme provides access to well-researched companies currently undergoing special situations and provides a higher return potential. This allows investors to generate high returns over the long term by taking aggressive risks. Also, the fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark. Hence, investors seeking to invest for a long-term time horizon to generate high returns with higher risk through exposure to the banking and financial sector can consider this fund.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

Incorporated on December 10, 1999, HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd. is among India's most popular fund houses. HDFC Mutual Fund launched its first scheme in July 2000, and ever since it has been ambitious about offering a stable performance of funds across all the variants of schemes it offers. The HDFC Mutual Fund is managed by HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC) Limited.  Let us talk about the consumer product – HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0xun9aaj9s HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund  Investment Objective The primary objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation/income by investing predominantly in mid-cap companies.   Investment Process  To follow a stock-specific approach  Construct the portfolio on a bottom-up basis  Focus on good quality companies at acceptable valuations  Long-term orientation (resulting in low portfolio turnover)   Stick to the circle of competence  Portfolio Composition  The fund had invested 92.54% of its assets in equity & equity-related stocks, and significant sectoral exposure is to Finance, which accounts for roughly 11.89% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of June 30, 2023 Source: HDFC MF https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHYimOpW9Pw Top 5 Holdings  Name Weightage % Indian Hotels Company Ltd. 4.39 Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co. Ltd. 3.66 Max Healthcare Institute Ltd. 3.65 Tata Communications Ltd. 3.58 Apollo Tyres Ltd.  3.30 Note: Data as of June 30, 2023. Source: HDFC MF  Performance    This Fund S&P BSE 150 MidCap TRI Equity: Mid Cap 1 Year 34.64% 24.82% 23.13% 3 Years 36.45% 33.34% 31.71% 5 Years 18.04% 16.83% 17.05% 10 Years 22.38% 20.17% 21.05% Note: Data as of June 30, 2023. Source: Value Research  Invest In Fund Fund Manager  Mr. Chirag Setalvad (Since June 28, 2014) has over 25 years of experience, of which 18 years in Fund Management and Equity Research and three years in Investment Banking. Before HDFC, he worked at New Vernon Advisory Services and started his career at ING Barings in India.   Who Should Invest in HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund?  Investors looking to generate higher returns by taking exposure to mid-cap equities can consider this fund. However, investors need to understand the aggressive risk exposure of this fund.  Why Invest in this Fund?  Opportunity to invest in a portfolio of predominantly mid-sized companies.  Aims to provide diversification to an investor’s overall equity mutual fund portfolio.  Experienced fund management and research teams with a track record of managing equity assets across market cycles.  Emphasis on risk management – portfolio diversification across stocks and sectors; focus on good quality businesses.  One of the largest funds in the mid-cap category with a track record of more than 15 years.  Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least three years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund has a proven track record of over 15 years, with an Asset Under Management of ₹42,731.64 Cr as on  June 30, 2023. The fund has consistently outperformed both the benchmarks and the category average also. Therefore, investors looking to generate wealth over the long term can consider this fund with an understanding of high risk.   DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With an AUM of more than Rs 2.4 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw UTI Nifty50 Equal Weight Index Fund  Investment Objective The investment objective of the scheme is to provide returns that, before expenses, correspond to the total return of the securities as represented by the underlying index, which is Nifty50 Equal Weight TRI, subject to tracking error.  Investment Process   UTI Nifty50 Equal Weight Index Fund follows a passive style of investing; that is, it invests in all the companies forming part of the Nifty50 Equal Weight Index (the underlying index) in the same proportion of the underlying index to earn a return as much as the underlying index, before expenses.     Portfolio Composition  The scheme had invested 98.52% of its assets in equities, and the remaining were cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2023. The scheme had significant exposure to financial services, followed by Automobile and Auto Components and Information Technology.  Note: Data as of June 30, 2023. Source: UTIMF, Value Research  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVTKhy6XJME Top 5 Holdings Name Sector Weightage % Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. Healthcare 2.03% Infosys Ltd. Information Technology 2.02%  Bajaj Auto Ltd. Auto and Auto Components 2.02% Tata Motors Ltd. Auto and Auto Components 2.02% JSW Steel Ltd. Metals and Mining 2.02% Note: Data as of June 30, 2023. Source: UTIMF Performance Since Inception  If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs. 10,242, whereas the benchmark (Nifty50 Equal Weight TRI) would have fetched Rs. 10,501. Since the fund was launched just a month ago, monitoring how the fund tracks the underlying index in the long term will be essential.  Note: Performance of the fund as on June 30, 2023, since launch; Inception Date – June 07, 2023. Source: utimf.com Invest in Fund Fund Manager Sharwan Goyal is Fund Manager and Head - Passive, Arbitrage, and Quant strategies at UTI AMC. He is a CFA Charter holder from CFA Institute, USA, and holds a post-graduate degree in Management (MMS) from Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. He has over 16 years of experience in Risk Management, Equity Research, Portfolio Analysis, and Fund Management at UTI AMC.  Who Should Invest?  This product is suitable for investors who are seeking:  Capital Growth in tune with Index returns.  Passive investment in equity instruments comprised in Nifty50 Equal Weight TRI.  Why Invest?  The index offers exposure to the Top 50 large companies on the NSE with equal weight (~ 2% to each stock) with quarterly rebalancing.  The index aims to benefit from the growth opportunities across stocks/ sectors rather than just relying on the performance of a few heavy-weight stocks/sectors.  The index represents smart and intelligent investing through "Auto Quarterly Rebalancing" and thus enables "Auto Profit Booking."  Ideal Time Horizon  Ideal for investment with a time horizon of, preferably, five years or above   Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  Investing by replicating Nifty50 Equal Weight TRI is a better approach to investing in large-cap companies. Historical data shows that the Nifty50 Equal Weight TRI has generated better returns than the Nifty 50 with lesser volatility. Therefore, this scheme suits investors looking for a simple yet smart way of investing in the Top 50 companies. However, monitoring how efficiently the fund tracks the underlying index over the long term will be crucial. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

Small-cap funds are flooded with funds. Investors are heavily pumping money into small-cap equities in the hope of high returns. Investors have put in more than Rs. 33,040 crores in small-cap funds from April-2022 till June-23. Net inflows in mutual funds It can be inferred from the data released by AMFI that the investors are taking aggressive bets by flocking into high-risk funds such as small-cap, mid-cap, and thematic funds. The reason behind such a huge increase in small-cap investments is the returns given by small companies in the recent past. Nifty 250 TRI Rolling Returns The average returns delivered by small-cap funds in the last 1 year is 30.92% compared to the average return of 20.96% of the large-cap funds. Clearly, the returns delivered by small caps are way higher than the large caps. But, what about the risk? Aren’t the small cap equities too risky compared to the large caps? Let us see what the data says.  Volatility in price As can be inferred from the above graphs, the returns delivered by small caps are well above the large caps and contrary to the general perception, the volatility in the prices is not significantly higher than the large caps. After looking at this, now the question arises whether investors should continue to invest in the small-cap funds, or should they hit a pause on investing in the small-caps and book some profits. Let us try to find out.  Valuations: The first parameter the investors look at is the valuation. Are the small-cap companies overvalued? Let us look at the P/E ratio.  Nifty small cap 250 PE Although P/E alone cannot be used to conclude whether the companies are overvalued or not, it can be used to get a quick idea about the relative valuations of the companies. And as can be seen in the above chart, the current state of P/E does not suggest that small-cap companies are extremely overvalued.  Small Cap Premium: In a paper titled “The Relationship Between Return and Market Value of Common Stocks,” Rolf W. Banz concluded that the common stocks of smaller firms outperformed the common stocks of larger firms on a risk-adjusted basis. Many have argued that the inference drawn in the said paper does not hold good in today’s world. However, this has always been the case for developing economies like India where smaller companies have outperformed the large caps by a significant margin.  India’s Growth Story: India is a developing nation, and we are growing at the fastest rate. Small-cap companies are expected to benefit disproportionately higher than large-cap companies from such high growth. The primary reason behind this is the smaller base of the small companies which translates into higher growth in relative numbers. And secondly, it becomes difficult for large companies to grow faster due to their large size.   Volatility: As seen earlier, the volatility of small-cap companies reduces significantly over a longer period. Hence, small-cap companies are not as volatile in the long run as we generally perceive.  Conclusion  Small-cap equities offer tremendous growth potential over the long term, especially in a growing economy like India. However, it is possible that investors might not see extremely high returns in the short term. But stopping investments based on this rationale implies nothing but trying to time the market and doing so may prove to be harmful if the markets do not correct. Hence it is advisable to continue to invest for the long term keeping in mind the said factors

Investing in the financial markets can be a daunting task, especially for those seeking stability and security in their investment choices. One popular investment option that often garners attention is the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). SIPs allow investors to invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals in various avenues such as mutual funds, trading accounts, or retirement accounts.  While SIPs offer numerous advantages, it is crucial to delve into their safety aspect to gain a comprehensive understanding. In this article, we will explore the safety of SIPs, analyzing the potential risks and benefits they entail. This will enable you to make well-informed investment decisions with a thorough understanding of the factors at play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEA3dKj7q5U Understanding SIPs and Dollar-Cost Averaging SIPs are a form of passive investment strategy that utilizes the concept of dollar-cost averaging (DCA). DCA is a technique where investors make periodic equal transfers of funds, ensuring they accumulate assets over time. By investing a fixed amount regularly, regardless of market conditions, investors benefit from averaging the purchase cost of units, thereby reducing the impact of market volatility. This approach is particularly advantageous for long-term investments as it allows investors to ride out short-term market fluctuations and make consistent investments without being influenced by market timing. Invest in Mutual Funds Market Risks and Returns While SIPs provide a disciplined approach to investing, it is important to recognize that they are not immune to market risks. Mutual funds, which are commonly associated with SIPs, are subject to market conditions, and their value can fluctuate. Therefore, the returns on SIP investments are not guaranteed. The value of mutual funds can go up or down depending on the market conditions, and investors may lose money if they redeem their units at a lower price than the purchase price. It is crucial for investors to be aware of the inherent risks associated with the market and approach SIPs with a long-term investment horizon to potentially mitigate the impact of short-term market fluctuations. Calculate SIP Returns Long-Term Perspective and Compounding Benefits SIPs are best suited for individuals with a long-term investment horizon. The power of compounding works in favor of those who stay invested for an extended period. Compounding refers to the ability of an investment to generate earnings on both the principal amount and accumulated returns. By staying invested for at least 5-7 years, investors can harness the full potential of compounding, allowing their investments to grow significantly over time. This long-term perspective helps investors overcome short-term market volatility and allows them to reap the benefits of gradual wealth accumulation through the compounding effect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIRf2Dm1wB8 Wealth Accumulation and Reconsidering Investment Plans As investors accumulate wealth through their SIPs, it becomes essential to periodically assess their investment plans. Reaching certain milestones or nearing retirement may prompt a reevaluation of investment strategies. While SIPs offer a passive approach, some investors might consider transitioning to actively managed investments at a certain point. Active management involves a more hands-on approach by investment professionals who aim to generate higher returns by actively adjusting investment allocations based on market conditions and opportunities. This transition can provide investors with the potential to further grow their wealth and achieve their financial goals. Conclusion SIPs serve as an excellent investment option for those seeking a disciplined approach to wealth accumulation. However, it is crucial to understand that SIPs are not entirely risk-free. The potential market risks and fluctuating returns make it essential for investors to adopt a long-term perspective and remain invested for extended periods to reap the benefits of compounding.  Monitoring the wealth accumulated through SIPs and periodically reevaluating investment plans can help investors make informed decisions to maximize their returns. By combining a comprehensive understanding of SIPs with diligent research and risk management, investors can navigate the financial markets more confidently and potentially achieve their financial goals. Remember, investing always carries inherent risks, and consulting with a financial advisor or professional is advised before making any investment decisions. Talk To An Expert

Time slips through our fingers like grains of sand. In the blink of an eye, days turn into years. Parents cherish the childhood of their children. But as said, we don’t realize how time passes. Kids grow up, and as they grow up, the expenses also increase especially the education-related costs. And if you have a kid between the ages of 10-15 years, you will have to prepare for your child's college. The post-graduation is in the line. In this article, we will guide you on preparing for these expenses.  If you have a kid between the age group of 10-15 years, his/her college will be due in the next 3-5 years. Apart from that, there may be expenses such as application fees, expenditures on electronic gadgets like laptops or tablets, etc. There will be living expenses that you will have to incur. And after 6-8 years, you might have to incur the expenditure for post-graduation.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw Education inflation comes under the top category, i.e., one of the highest among all the categories. Adding to the burden, if your child plans to go abroad, rupee depreciation increases your cost.  The only way to prepare for this expenditure and save your child's future is to start investing. As the Chinese proverb says, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now." Similarly, it would help if you had started the investing journey much before. But if you have not, then do not waste your time. Start investing right now. Something is better than nothing. But how to do that? Let us see.  First, you need to identify the expenses you will incur along with their expected timing. As mentioned earlier, these can be graduation expenses, living expenses, etc. Using the college cost calculator, you can approximately estimate how much it will cost in the future to pursue the desired course for your child.   To estimate the other expenses, you can take the help of our SIP calculator by using which you can estimate how much you will be required to pay in the future and the required amount to invest monthly to reach your goal in the future by considering the inflation.   After identifying the expenses and their timing, you should bifurcate them as per the estimated timing of those expenses, like expenditure to be incurred within a year, in 1-3 years, after three years, etc. This bifurcation will help you determine how much risk you can take while investing. It is considered that an investor can take a higher risk while investing for the long term, and the risk appetite reduces as the time horizon decreases. There is a simple reason behind this. A long-term time horizon allows you to recover in case anything goes wrong.  The only thing that remains is to start investing as per your risk appetite. But how to select funds? As said earlier, you need to determine your risk appetite, and accordingly, you can invest. You cannot take the risk aggressively for expenditure to be incurred within a year. So, debt funds such as liquid or money market funds should be considered. For expenditure to be incurred after one year but within three years, you can take a little more risk.   Hence, you can consider investing a small portion of your investments into equities. This can be better done by investing in hybrid funds such as conservative funds or balanced advantage funds. An aggressive investor can consider investing in multi-asset funds as they provide allocation to various asset classes such as equities, debt, gold, etc. And lastly, for expenditures to be incurred after three years, such as post-graduation expenses, you should consider investing in equity mutual funds. Equity mutual funds provide excellent growth potential with reduced volatility over the long term. Small cap, mid cap, flexi cap, or focused funds can be good options for investing for the long term.  This is how you can start investing in your child's education. However, you need to keep in mind a few points.   First, you need to monitor your portfolio regularly and rebalance it. As you come closer to your goal, you will have to reallocate your money from high-risk funds to low-risk funds.   Second, if your child wishes to go abroad for graduation or post-graduation, it will be better to invest in USD as your exchange rate risk mitigates automatically. The procedure to estimate the expenditure and amount of investment remains the same.   And lastly, if you are too late to start investing, you might be required to look for an education loan.   However, you should start investing even if you are late so that you can create at least some corpus for your child's education rather than nothing.           Hopefully, this article has given you some insights and helps you plan better for your child’s education. Start investing!  Talk To An Expert

Incorporated on December 10, 1999, HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd. is among India's most popular fund houses. HDFC Mutual Fund launched its first scheme in July 2000, and ever since it has been ambitious about offering a stable performance of funds across all the variants of schemes it offers. The HDFC Mutual Fund is managed by HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC) Limited.  Let us talk about the consumer product – HDFC Flexi Cap Fund  HDFC Flexi Cap Fund  Investment Objective The primary objective is to generate capital appreciation/income from a portfolio, predominantly invested in equity & equity-related instruments.   Investment Process  The fund follows the following approach to investing.  Focus on fundamentally strong companies with growth drivers in the medium to long term.  Focus on competitive position, corporate governance, and industry outlook.  Emphasis on valuation to assess risk-reward and provide a reasonable margin of safety.  A holistic approach to valuations without relying solely on traditional parameters like P/E or P/B.  Portfolio Composition  The fund had invested 90.85% of its assets in equity & equity-related stocks, 3.21% in real estate, and 5.94% in cash and cash equivalents. The significant sectoral exposure is to Banks, which account for roughly one-fourth of the portfolio. Note: Data as of June 30, 2023. Source: HDFC MF Top 5 Holdings  Name Weightage % ICICI Bank Ltd. 9.13 HDFC Bank Ltd. 5.62 State Bank of India Ltd. 5.28 Bharti Airtel Ltd. 4.71 Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.  4.63 Note: Data as of June 30, 2023. Source: HDFC MF  Performance    This Fund S&P BSE 500 TRI Equity: Flexi Cap 1 Year 27.01% 18.66% 19.43% 3 Years 32.43% 24.46% 23.48% 5 Years 16.91% 13.71% 13.63% 10 Years 17.92% 15.33% 16.50% Note: Data as of June 30, 2023. Source: Value Research  Fund Manager  Ms. Roshi Jain (Since July 29, 2022) has over 17 years of experience in research and fund management. Before joining HDFC Asset Management Co Ltd in December 2021, she worked with Franklin Templeton India AMC Ltd. as a Vice President & Portfolio Manager. Ms Jain earned her Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, in 2002. She earned her Chartered Accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in 1998 with an All-India Rank 2. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder.   Who Should Invest in HDFC Flexi Cap Fund?  The fund is suitable for investors willing to invest across market cap. However, investors need to understand the aggressive risk exposure of this fund.  Why Invest in this Fund?  The fund provides an opportunity to invest in companies of various market caps.  Aims to provide diversification to an investor’s overall equity mutual fund portfolio.  Experienced fund management and research teams with a track record of managing equity assets across market cycles.  Emphasis on risk management – portfolio diversification across stocks and sectors; focus on good quality businesses.  One of the largest funds in the flexi-cap category.  Ideal Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least three years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The HDFC Flexi Cap Fund has a proven track record of over 25 years, with an Asset Under Management of ₹36,345.36 Cr as on June 30, 2023. The fund has consistently outperformed both the benchmarks and the category average also. Therefore, investors looking to generate wealth over the long term can consider this fund with an understanding of high risk. 

Parenthood is a beautiful journey full of smiles, joy, and love. Every child is a prince or princess for the parent. Like in any fairy tale, every parent wants their child to live the life of the prince or princess. In real life, royal life means sending your child to the best school, graduating from top-quality universities, going abroad, and settling anywhere in the world. And to achieve this, parents are ready to do anything. But come to reality. Inflation in education is among the highest. Another major obstacle is rupee depreciation if you want the child to go abroad for education. So how can a parent do all this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw Well, every parent can fulfill all the dreams of the child. How?  The answer lies in investing.  Let us see how parents can save and invest for their children between the ages of 1-5.  Money grows with time. The earlier you start, the more advantage you have. A slight delay in investing can result in a considerable difference over the long term. Hence, it is advisable to start saving as soon as possible. "Start early and invest properly" is the appropriate approach every parent needs to follow to make their child's dreams a reality.  But how to invest for the kids in the age bracket 1-5?  Investing depends on the risk appetite of the investor. How much risk you can take will determine how you should invest. And the risk appetite depends on the time you have in your hand. The time when you require the money will determine your risk-taking ability.  Generally, it is considered that the more time you have in your hand, you can take a higher risk and vice versa. When investing for the long term, you can take the risk aggressively. As the time in hand reduces, your risk-taking ability reduces, and you need to reallocate your money to safer avenues.  This can be better understood with the help of the following example. Suppose your child is 1-2 years old. Let us first list down what expenses you will have to incur. It will be fees for kindergarten, school fees, graduation, post-graduation, electronics such as a tablet or a laptop, living expenses, and the list continues. Investment Options Under 10 Lakhs Read More You need to identify the expenses that will be incurred in less than one year, three years, 3- 5 years, and after that. After identifying the expenses, you can decide how much risk you can take.  For the expenditure to be incurred in less than a year, liquid funds can be considered. A gilt fund or corporate bond fund can be a good choice for expenses to be incurred after one year but within three years. One can consider even a conservative fund. Aggressive funds, balanced advantage funds, or multi-asset funds can be suitable in the case of 3-5 years. And for expenditures beyond five years, equity funds will be the best option. Small-cap funds, mid-cap funds, flexi-cap funds, focused funds, etc., generate good returns over the long term. However, as you come closer to your goals, you need to move the funds from high-risk to less-risky ones.  It should be noted that the allocation should be based on the risk-taking capacity of the individual investor. The above are general rules of thumb. One can choose to invest based on his or her risk appetite. E.g., an aggressive investor might consider investing in a balanced advantage fund for expenditure to be incurred within three years.  Generally, investing for kids between the age group of 1-5 gives the luxury of having an ample amount of time in hand. As said earlier, the sooner you start, the less you need to save, and it becomes easy to reach your goal. E.g., if you want Rs.10,00,000 after five years, you need to start a SIP of Rs.11,290 only assuming an expected rate of return of 15%. However, you need to save Rs.15,330 per month to reach the same goal if you delay your investments by one year. So, start investing as soon as possible. Talk To An Expert

As a grandparent, you have a unique opportunity to shape your grandchildren's lives, including their financial well-being. By offering guidance and support, you can empower them to make wise financial decisions and build a secure future. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips to help your grandchildren financially.  Whether it's teaching them about money management, fostering good saving habits, or providing educational resources, these tips will equip your grandchildren with the tools they need to thrive. Secure Their Future: 7 Ways to Support Grandchildren Financially 1. Start early  Teaching the basics of money management and financial education is a lifelong journey, and the earlier it begins, the better. Introduce your grandchildren to basic concepts like budgeting, saving, and spending wisely.  Help them understand the value of money and the importance of setting goals. Encourage open discussions about finances and make it a point to answer their questions patiently. By instilling these fundamental principles early on, you lay a solid foundation for their financial future. Start Saving with EduFund 2. Encourage saving habits  Saving is a crucial habit that can benefit your grandchildren throughout their lives. Encourage them to save by setting up a savings account or piggy bank specifically designated for their goals. Teach them the concept of delayed gratification, where they save for something they desire rather than giving in to impulsive spending.  Consider matching their savings contributions or offering small incentives to motivate them. By nurturing their saving habits, you teach them the value of patience, discipline, and long-term planning. Reasons to Start Saving Early Read More 3. Introduce the power of compound interest Teaching your grandchildren about compound interest is a valuable lesson that can greatly impact their financial future. Explain how their money can grow exponentially over time by earning interest on both the initial amount and the accumulated interest.  Illustrate this concept through examples or interactive activities to make it more relatable and engaging. Encourage them to start saving early to take full advantage of the power of compound interest. Start SIP with EduFund 4. Support financial education  In today's digital age, there are numerous resources available to enhance financial literacy. Encourage your grandchildren to explore online courses, podcasts, books, or videos that cover various financial topics. Consider gifting them educational books on personal finance or subscribing to a financial magazine or newsletter that can provide valuable insights. Additionally, you can help them navigate through complex financial terms and concepts, ensuring they have a solid understanding of financial matters. SIP Plans for Child Education 5. Teach responsible credit card usage  Credit cards are a useful financial tool, but if used irresponsibly, they may also result in debt. Talk to your grandkids about the benefits and drawbacks of credit cards, emphasizing the necessity of making prompt, complete payments in order to avoid incurring interest fees.  Teach them to utilize credit cards for convenience instead of reckless spending. Inform them of the possible repercussions of taking on debt and the long-term effects it may have on their financial stability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw 6. Start a fund for their college Introduce the idea of investing to your grandkids, as well as the possibility of building long-term wealth. You can start a small fund for their college to encourage them. Teach them about investing choices, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Starting an education fund for them will help them a lot in the future. They can use those funds to sponsor their entire college education. This is a great financial relief because often students end up taking big loans that they have to pay off for years after their college ends.  Set Short Term and Long Term Goals 7. Teach the value of budgeting  Making efficient use of a budget is a crucial skill that your grandkids may develop. Show students how to make a budget by keeping track of their earnings, costs, and savings. Explain the difference between needs and wants, highlighting the need of giving priority to necessary costs and making thoughtful financial decisions.  Introduce them to applications or tools for budgeting that can make the process easier and promote ongoing budget evaluations. Early budgeting practices provide your descendants with the capacity to make wise financial decisions and avoid needless debt. College Student Guide To Budgeting Read More 8. Write them into your will If you're a grandparent, you undoubtedly want what's best for your grandkids. You want them to be happy, healthy, and equipped with all they need to thrive in life as they grow up. Additionally, if you're a typical grandmother, you want to be prepared to assist them when necessary. But here's the thing: there are certain things we don't know about, like how to give them money or how we can help financially, when it comes to aiding your grandchildren financially. How then can you ensure that your grandchildren receive the necessary financial support? You should include them in your will as one of your actions. They will receive all they are due when you pass away and your inheritance is distributed in accordance with your desires, regardless of the mischief they got themselves into in the interim. You may have a big effect on your grandchildren's financial situation by using the advice in this article. Building a solid financial foundation requires taking several important actions, including starting young, teaching money management skills, encouraging saving behaviors, and supporting financial education.  Your descendants will have the skills and attitude necessary to successfully manage the complexity of personal finance and ensure a wealthy future if you inculcate these principles and information in them. Keep in mind that your advice and encouragement might have a long-lasting impact on their life. Talk To An Expert

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is the second-largest asset management company in India. With over Rs 5 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes. ICICI Prudential Banking and Financial Fund  Investment Objective The scheme's primary objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation to unit holders from a portfolio that is invested predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of companies engaged in banking and financial services.  Investment Process   Portfolio construction: The scheme will invest a minimum of 80% of its total assets in stocks of companies engaged in the banking and financial services sector, including banking, broking, asset management, wealth management, insurance, non-banking financial companies (NBFC), and other companies that may be engaged in providing financial services.  Benchmark agnostic: While the Scheme’s performance is benchmarked against Nifty Financial Services TRI, it may opportunistically invest in companies outside the same.   Investment Approach: The scheme invests across market capitalizations and uses a combination of growth and blend investment style.  Portfolio Composition  As per its investment objective, the equity exposure is significant to stocks of companies engaged in the banking and financial services sector. The funds are invested primarily in large-cap companies with approximately 81% exposure to large-cap stocks, approximately 15% to mid-cap stocks, and the remaining 4% to small-cap stocks. Note: Data as of 31st May. 2023. Source: ICICI Pru AMC, Value Research  Top 5 Holdings for ICICI Prudential Banking and Financial Fund Name Sector Weightage % HDFC Bank Ltd. Bank 17.41 ICICI Bank Ltd. Bank 17.16 State Bank of India Ltd. Bank 9.34 Axis Bank Ltd. Bank 8.09 HDFC Ltd. Finance 5.3 Note: Data as of 31st May 2023. Source: ICICI Pru AMC Performance Since Inception  If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs 95,580. Note: Fund performance since launch; Inception Date – 22nd August 2008.  Source: icicipruamc.com The fund has performed consistently and has generated an annualized return of 16.4% since inception. It has outperformed its benchmark except for the five-year period.  Invest in the fund Fund Manager  The fund is ably managed by Roshan Chutkey, who has over 12 years of experience and manages five funds.  Who Should Invest in ICICI Prudential Banking and Financial Fund?  This scheme is suitable for investors who aim to invest predominantly in companies engaged in banking and financial service and achieve goals like tactical solutions and wealth creation.  Why Invest in ICICI Prudential Banking and Financial Fund?  The banking and financial services sector proxies India's growing economy since every aspect of the economy is influenced by it.   It allows investors to invest in companies engaged in the banking and financial services sector across all market caps.   Time Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of five years or more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help tackle broader equity market volatility.  Conclusion  The scheme provides access to well-researched companies engaged in the banking and financial sectors that provide a higher return potential. This allows investors to have exposure to one of the most critical sectors that play a crucial role in the development of any economy. Also, the fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark except over five years. Hence, investors seeking to invest for a long-term time horizon to generate high returns with higher risk through exposure to the banking and financial sector can consider this fund. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

Your child’s expenses do not remain constant all the time. As the child gets older, the expenses start to increase. Expenses like school fees, tuition fees, living expenses, and expenses incurred on other necessities of education such as stationery, electronic gadgets, etc. All these increases as your child grows older.    Parents need to follow the right investing approach to keep pace with potential costs. If not appropriately invested, you may end up having insufficient funds when required, and the stakes can be huge since it is the question of your child's future. Hence, in this article, we will explore what would be the correct approach to investing and how the investments should be made by parents having kids between the age group of 5-10 years.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw What should be the correct approach to investing, and how to invest?  If you are a parent having a kid between the ages of 5-10 years, you need to be very serious about your investments because you are going to witness a sharp increase in the education expenditure of your child.   The reason is that in the next 4-6 years, your child will complete his secondary education and then be required to take admitted to college. College fees are not the only significant expenditure that you will incur. It is only the tip of the iceberg. Apart from the college fees, you may have to pay the class fees, especially if your child is willing to pursue courses such as engineering from IIT or an MBBS or an MBA from IIM.   Since the courses mentioned generally require the entrance exams to be cleared, the preparation starts much earlier, and you may incur significant outflow from your savings. And remind you; education inflation is among the highest of all the categories. Therefore, you should start investing as soon as possible.   Smart Investment for Kids 1 to 5 years Read More How to do that?  Step 1: First, identify the expenses that you will be required to incur and bifurcate them based on when they will be incurred, such as expenses to be incurred within a year, within 1-3 years, after three years, etc.  Step 2: Once you bifurcate the expenses into these categories, you need to quantify the expenditure. Since the expenses will always be increasing due to inflation, you need to find out how much you will be required to pay; otherwise, you might end up having insufficient funds due to investing less than the required amount. To estimate the education expenditure, you can use the help of our cost calculator.  Step 3: After estimating the amount and timing of expenditure, you need to estimate how much you need to invest to reach the goal. You can do so by using the SIP calculator.   Step 4: Once you find out how much you are required to invest every month, the next step is to determine where to invest. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the risk-taking ability, and vice versa. A longer duration gives you a chance of recovery if something goes wrong. This is not the case in case of expenditure to be incurred within one year. Hence the risk tolerance decreases as the time horizon reduces.  For long-term time horizons such as 3 to 5 years or even more, investors can consider investing in small cap, mid cap, flexi cap, or focused funds. These funds provide good potential for capital appreciation over the long term. And the volatility also reduces over the long term. For investments with a time horizon of 1-3 years, hybrid funds such as conservative or balanced advantage funds can be suitable since they provide the advantage of both portfolio stability and limited growth potential. Also, an aggressive investor can consider investing in a multi-asset fund that provides diversification across various asset classes such as equities, debt, gold, etc. At the same time, a risk-averse person can consider the debt funds such as gilt-edge funds or dynamic bond funds for the said time horizon. And lastly, debt funds such as liquid funds should be considered for expenditure to be incurred within a year.  Please note the allocation to various types of mutual fund schemes depends on the individual's risk appetite. You need to determine how much risk you can take, and accordingly, you need to select funds for investing.  Step 5: The last step is rebalancing. You just cannot start investing and leave it as it is. It would help if you rebalanced your portfolio from time to time. As you come closer to your goal, you need to reallocate your investments to lesser risky funds since you cannot take high risks as you come closer to your goal.  So, this is the step-by-step guide for investing in your child. Hope you found this article useful. Thanks for reading!  Talk To An Expert

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant. Let us discuss the consumer product – DSP Nifty Midcap 150 Quality 50 Index Fund.  DSP Nifty Midcap 150 Quality 50 Index Fund  Investment Objective The scheme's investment objective is to generate returns commensurate with the performance of the Nifty Midcap 150 Quality 50 Index, subject to tracking error.  Investment Process   The scheme is managed passively with investments in stocks in the same proportion as in Nifty Midcap 150 Quality 50 Index.  The investment strategy revolves around minimizing the tracking error through periodic rebalancing of the portfolio, taking into account the change in weights of stocks in the indices as well as the incremental collections/redemptions in the scheme.  A small portion of the net assets will be held as cash & cash equivalent.  Portfolio Composition  The fund had invested 99.69% in equity, and the remaining was held in the form of debt/cash and cash equivalents as on 30th June 2023.  Note: Data as on 30th June 2023. Source: DSP MF Top 5 Holdings  Name Weightage % Tata Elxsi Limited 4.20 Tube Investments of India Limited 3.63 ICICI Securities Limited 3.09 Persistent Systems Limited 3.03 APL Apollo Tubes Limited 2.91 Note: Data as on 30th June 2023. Source: DSP MF  Performance  If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs 10,850.  Note: Data as of 30th June 2023.Source: DSP MF Since its inception, the fund has generated a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 8.5%.  Invest In Fund Fund Manager  Anil Ghelani has been managing this fund since July 2019 as a Co-Fund Manager. Anil has been working with DSP Group since 2003 and is Head of Passive Investments & Products. Previously, he was the Business Head & Chief Investment Officer at DSP Pension Fund Managers. Before that, he led the Risk and Quantitative Analysis team at DSP Mutual Fund, responsible for monitoring portfolio risk and buy-side credit research on companies across various sectors.  Diipesh Shah has been managing this fund since November 2020 as a Co-Fund Manager. Diipesh has a total work experience of Over 20 years. He has been working with DSP since September 2019 as a Dealer for ETF and Passive Investments. Now he is also the Fund Manager of various schemes of DSP Mutual Fund. Diipesh has worked with JM Financial Institutional Broking Limited, Centrum Broking Limited, IDFC Securities Limited, and Kotak Securities Limited as Institutional Equity Sales Trading.  Who Should Invest in DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund?  Consider this fund if you   Are you an experienced investor or have access to expert advice?  Already have a strong core portfolio and are looking to invest in the mid-cap space.  Want to diversify existing active midcap funds in the portfolio at a lower cost?  Have the patience & mental resilience to remain invested for a decade or more.  Recognize market falls as good opportunities to invest even more.  Accept that equity investing means risk exposure.  Why Invest in this Fund?  Aim to build wealth by investing conveniently in objectively qualified quality mid-cap companies.  Affordable investing as compared to buying individual stocks of the Nifty Midcap 150 Quality 50 Index.  It can help you beat the impact of rising prices over the long term.  Since the fund only replicates an index & does not have an 'active' fund manager, it carries no human decision-making bias.  Have the potential to beat the broader Midcap 150 index & active midcap funds over the long term.  Ideal Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least ten years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The DSP Nifty Midcap 150 Quality 50 Index Fund provides a good option for passive investing in mid-cap equities. Since the fund was launched less than a year ago, it will be required to monitor how efficiently it tracks the underlying index. Investors seeking capital appreciation through mid-cap exposure by following a passive style of investing can consider this fund with a time horizon of ten years or more.