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Everyone speaks about the rewards of preparing early for education funds and securing them as soon as possible. What they forget to explain is how to reach that goal. Fear not, for we have prepared a list of things you might want to tick off if you want to secure your child’s education.  1. Choosing the right platform is important There are a number of investment platforms available for investors. As an investor with a goal in mind (the education fund for your child), it is important to choose a platform that is built for that purpose or has certain advantages in the pursuit of your goal. There are two great advantages of choosing a goal-specific platform - one, you separate your investments in a way that you know how much amount is set aside for that particular goal every month, and second, you get the added goal-related benefits that the platform could offer. In the case of EduFund, a platform built for parents to save for their children's education fund, you have added advantages like readily available education loans if you fall short, or free counseling if your child needs it. 2. Investing in the right mutual funds  Once you decide to invest in mutual funds to achieve higher returns than Fixed Deposits, you also need to do your research to find which investment schemes are best suited for you. Many factors play crucial roles in this procedure. For example, one of the first things you need to consider is the balance between your monetary goals and the level to which these will be fulfilled by the fund returns and the risk associated.  Time is another important factor that will shape your decision in this matter. You also need to consider what exactly you want out of your investment whether it is tax reductions high returns with high risks or more stabilized returns with low risks. To indulge in smart investments, stay aware of the best investment schemes currently trending in the stock market. 3. Investing in international stocks Parents who like to stay alert about the current trends related to the education system and finances must be well aware of the phenomenon called education inflation. This is what makes a global education exponentially more expensive than one attained within India.  The value of the Indian Rupee has depreciated over the years against foreign currencies like the American dollar. This means that the cost of a course pursued in a foreign land like the US or the UK will be tenfold compared to the same course pursued in this country. The cost of living will be equally high overseas. A smart way to deal with this problem is to invest in international equity funds. This means higher returns because if you invest in US stocks, you will be earning in dollars, not rupees. Moreover, if your investments in Indian stocks get affected by market fluctuations, you can still depend upon your foreign stock investments which will remain relatively more stable.  4. Consider the availability of education loans  Sometimes your life savings and your investment returns are not enough to fund your child’s education. Do not worry. Education loans can take care of your child’s aspirations in such situations. Even if you are in a position to be able to afford your kid’s dream college, student loans are still a healthy way to teach your kid the value of money and how to build credit.   Creditworthiness is a virtue that will financially discipline your child so that they can make monetary decisions in your absence. It will also ensure that they can take future loans as part of their education fund at low interest rates. Only loans exceeding a very high amount of money require collateral or a security deposit, which means you can easily avail of student loans.  5. The right guidance for your children Career and academic counseling sessions are crucial for your kid if they are going through a transition phase in their lives. As their primary caregiver, you are entitled to guide their way but sometimes what might be required is professional help. You are longer required to pay for these counseling sessions. A platform like EduFund offers them the best education counseling services in India for free of cost. Let nothing stop your child from achieving their goals.  6. Expert advice to get you to your goal EduFund believes in helping you attain as much clarity on financial affairs as possible. In case of expert advice on investment, you can rely on the world-class experts from EduFund. The Edufund app provides you with all the useful tools to attain the best from your child’s education fund.  For example, it comes with a calculator that helps you calculate the education cost. This is a smart calculator developed to give you inflation-adjusted rates. This is the first step toward getting an idea of how much you will need to invest or save up as an education fund.  Conclusion What seems like a mammoth task can be easily managed by dividing it into smaller tasks and simplifying it. Each small step is quite crucial in itself. But once you have the checklist ready, you can be sure if not losing sight of things. FAQs How do I plan my child's education fund? Starting early is key to building your child's education fund. You can start saving with mutual funds, PPF, US stocks, Indian stocks, fixed deposits, and much more. Before starting it is important to consult a financial advisor and figure out the cost of education before starting an SIP. Which fund is best for child education? Here are some of the best funds for your child's education fund: Axis Long-Term Equity FundSBI Equity Hybrid FundParag Parikh Flexi Cap FundAditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 Fund Growth Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Plan-GrowthDSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund Growth Axis Long-Term Equity Fund Growth How do you build a corpus for child education? The first step to building a corpus for a child's education fund is to figure out the cost using the College Cost Calculator. Knowing the financial goal you need to invest in before starting a SIP helps you remain focused and know the exact amount you need to save monthly to get started. DisclaimerMutual fund investments are subject to market risks. The previous performance of a fund or scheme is no guarantee of future success. Please read the offer document carefully before investing.

Look at the market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; Profit from folly rather than participate in it.” Warren Buffet Market falling or fluctuation is extremely common. The market (NIFTY50 Index) has corrected by 6.31% from its recent peak of 18350 (17th Jan 2022) to 17149 (25th Jan 2022) & 7.82% from its all-time high of 18604 (19th Oct 2021).  Market movement for 15 days before & after the budget  Decoding the charts The EduFund Research Team has performed the study to determine the reason for the recent fall in the markets and here’s what they came up with.  Reasons for the fall Tightening of monetary policy by the US Fed department  Lower than expected results of major corporates  Tension on the borders of Ukraine-Russia  How the fall affects you?  According to Nifty50’s data for the past 2 years, we can see that the market has fallen by 6.56% in 2020 and 7.83% in 2021, just before the budget. And after these falls, the market rebounded 5.32% & 13.49% in 2019 & 2020 - in a short time frame from the correction.  This means that there is actually no need to be worried about the fall in the market. After the budget, we could see a positive movement in the market.  We believe such correction/volatility in the market is a great time for long-term investors.  Make the most of the recent market fluctuations  These short-term market fluctuations and volatility actually provide a good entry point in an otherwise rising market.   Also, if you are an investor investing through the SIP route, you should not panic about these volatile situations. Instead, let the rupee cost averaging work in your favor by topping up a lump sum during this time. India is currently trading at a PE of 24.84 (Median – 20.45).  Take a look at some of the top funds you can invest in Fund Name Category Annualized Returns (3-Years) Risk ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Direct-Growth Corporate Bond 8.19% Low Tata Hybrid Equity Direct Growth Hybrid 15.28% Average Mirae Asset Large-cap Fund Direct-Growth Large-cap 18.61% Moderately High DSP Flexi-cap Fund Direct Growth Flexi-Cap 23.02% High  FAQs What is the reason of market going down? Tightening of monetary policy by the US Fed department  Lower than expected results of major corporates  Tension on the borders of Ukraine-Russia How the fall affects you?  According to Nifty50’s data for the past 2 years, we can see that the market has fallen by 6.56% in 2020 and 7.83% in 2021, just before the budget. And after these falls, the market rebounded 5.32% & 13.49% in 2019 & 2020 - in a short time frame from the correction. Should you stop your investments during market fluctuations? Yes, it is important to check on your investments when market fluctuates but stopping and/or pausing depends on the type of investment and the effect of the market on the industry. Consult your financial advisor before making changes to your portfolio. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan 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. The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries. DSP Mid Cap Fund  Investment objective The primary investment objective is to seek to generate long-term capital appreciation from a portfolio that is substantially constituted of equity and equity-related securities of mid-cap companies. From time to time, the fund manager will also seek participation in other equity and equity-related securities to achieve optimal portfolio construction.  Investment process    The DSP Mid Cap Fund has an investment philosophy that selects stocks with durable business, which are run by able managers and have high sustainable Returns on Equity. It focuses on small and mid-cap stocks that have a strong alpha generation potential, competitive advantage, and high cash flows.  Portfolio composition  The portfolio major exposure of more than 70% in mid-cap followed by 17% in small cap. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 48% of the portfolio, with major exposure to Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology. Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: dspim.com  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % Supreme Industries Ltd. Plastic Pipes Company 4.67 The Phoenix Mills Ltd. Retail Mall Developer 3.65 Atul Ltd. Chemicals Company 3.49 IPCA Laboratories Ltd. Pharmaceutical 3.36 Bharat Forge Ltd. Forging Company 3.28 Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. Source: ICICI Pru Performance over 16 years  If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the DSP Mid Cap Fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 77,034. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch. Inception date – Nov 14th, 2006. Source: Moneycontrol  The DSP Mid Cap Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of more than 16 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.37%  DSP Top 100 Equity Fund Read More Fund managers at DSP mid-cap mutual funds Resham Jain: Total work experience of 9 years. He joined DSP Investment Managers in March 2016 as Assistant Vice President of the Equity Income Team.  Abhishek Ghosh: Total work experience of 14 years. He joined DSP investment managers in September 2018 as Assistant Vice President of the equity team.  Vinit Sambre: Total work experience of 16 years. Vinit joined DSPIM in July 2007, as a Portfolio Analyst for the firm's Portfolio Management Services (PMS) division.  Jay Kothari - Total work experience of 20 years. Vice President & Product Strategist -Jay has been with DSP Investment Managers since May 2005.  Who should invest?  An experienced investor with a well-defined core portfolio.  Investors with high patience understand that this category of funds is associated with high risk.  Why invest?  Offers the potential to grow your wealth & 'earn big' returns if this theme does well (a high-risk, high-return strategy).  Can be a suitable choice for tactical allocation.  Horizon  One should look at investing and holding the investment for more than 7 years.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  FAQs What are the top five holdings of DSP Midcap Fund? The top 5 holdings of DSP Midcap Fund: Supreme Industries Ltd.The Phoenix Mills Ltd. Atul Ltd. IPCA Laboratories Ltd. Bharat Forge Ltd. Who are the fund managers for DSP Midcap Fund? Resham Jain Abhishek Ghosh Vinit Sambre Jay Kothari What has the performance of DSP Mid cap fund over 16 years?   If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the DSP Mid Cap Fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 77,034. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. Conclusion  This scheme offers exposure to mid-size companies that have a durable business run by able managers. Mid-sized companies like these can offer more growth potential than larger companies but at lower risk levels than smaller-sized companies. This scheme is best suitable for investors with a long investment horizon. 

To get started with family investments, you need to make a list of goals you want to invest towards. These will create different funds that can be utilized for your family's needs when those moments arrive. This might be your first time as an investor. Worry not for it is always a good time to start investing - be it as a collective unit or individually. However, if you are investing as a family, there will be some added responsibilities.  You can follow a few pro tips so as not to get confused when you have more than one investment to deal with.  Separate investments from savings  Investments are a lot like savings. We invest or save money for future use. But investments are a better method of securing your future because, unlike your savings, investments can generate more wealth by themselves. Thus, to enjoy the blessings of compounding, you are advised to separate your savings and investment. This means that you are required to not mix them up. It also means that you can have separate saving goals and investment goals. List down your saving goals and investment goals so that you do not lose sight of them. Keeping track of this will also help you decide how much money you can afford to invest depending on your income and expenditures.  Fixing your investment goals Once you can tell your investments apart from your savings, the next step is to compartmentalize your investments. Like savings, investments must also be divided according to different financial goals. That is to say, do not put all your money in one place with just one goal in mind. Divide your priorities and list them down. It is advisable to separate your personal financial goals from your family goals. Your investments can be directed towards creating funds for emergencies, healthcare, childcare, education, housing, retirement, and so on. These are the common needs of a family unit but you might have special requirements. Prepare your list of priorities accordingly.  Creating diverse investments  Simply compartmentalizing your investments is not enough; you are also required to diversify your investments. The trick is to invest in different places instead of investing in the same company stock or fund.  You must remember that, as a family, your investment goals can be quite distinct and miscellaneous. They vary not only in terms of the time you can give for the money to grow but also in terms of the amount you can invest in the first place. There are other factors like the level of risk involved and the percentage of returns you will enjoy in the long run. There are various kinds of mutual fund schemes you can opt for - large-cap equity funds, small-cap equity funds, mid-cap funds, debt funds, taxing saving schemes, and so on.  When you diversify investments, you play safe by ensuring that if you incur a loss on one investment, it will be balanced by the profits earned on another. Moreover, you can invest in International Equity funds to satiate goals like your child’s education abroad. This will ensure that you do not get affected by the market fluctuations of the Indian stock market. Also, your returns will have more value because a foreign currency like the US dollar is more stable. FAQs What should a family invest in? Investing as a family is important, from starting a PPF to SIP for mutual funds, you can explore a huge set of diverse options. Remember, investing is different from savings so make sure you do both as a family because there are many expenses to care for. What is the number 1 rule of investing? The number 1 rule of investing is to start early and never lose money. The power of compounding helps you save money and generate wealth for big goals like education, buying a house or starting a fund for travelling. What do 30 year olds invest in? There are many investment options for 30 year olds such as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, etc. What are 3 good investments? Stocks, index funds, mutual funds and ETFs are 3 categories of investments that are considered good. Conclusion When you make investment decisions as a family, your kids learn from you. Thus, as a financial role model, your responsibility increases. As a married person, sharing investment goals with your partner as well as having separate individual funds is an example of healthy investing. This is the most organized way to make sure that one fund does not get compromised to fulfill a goal it was not originally meant for.  Similarly, try not to use up your life savings or retirement fund to send your kids abroad for a college education. Only prior well-planned investments can prevent such bewilderment from occurring. Investing systematically also means zero stress in your retirement life. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Confused about how to get started with a fund for your child’s college education? Do not worry the stress of saving for college is quite natural. It is, however, avoidable. With certain smart steps, you can smoothly ensure the best for your child.  A college education is, in most cases, the final step before you embark on a whole new venture, namely your career. This is why having a proper college education is so crucial. To ensure that your kid gets to go to their dream institution and cherish their college life, you must start getting prepared as soon as possible.  College savings go a long way in securing a lot of things. It takes half the stress away in your retired life. It inspires your child to aim higher, unperturbed. A family that grows in the culture of financial regulation stays prepared to take on future monetary challenges. Saving for college is one such healthy habit that you should inculcate as your child’s primary caregiver and later pass it on to them as they come of age.  Now let us discuss some wise ways of building up that college fund.   1. Start early  The more time you devote to creating college savings, the more money you can accumulate. Going by that simple logic, time is money. You can even start before your child is born for that matter. Yes, college savings can be part of your preliminary family planning.  In fact, starting early helps in steering clear of all kinds of confusion when the actual moment arrives. You will not be required to compromise your retirement savings to make up for your kid’s dream college. This brings us to the next pro tip for college savings. 2. Organize your savings  The virtues of organization and compartmentalization are not just for college savings. Life itself works on such discipline and decorum. If you do not list out the various things you have to save for, you will always end up mixing up finances. For example, if you use up the savings meant for emergencies to help your kid get admission to a fancy college, that leaves you vulnerable to future crises. It is advisable to open a separate savings bank account meant for your child’s education. Once your child grows up, you can turn them into the beneficiary of that account.    3. Diversify your investments  Investments, unlike savings, generate wealth. Thus, like savings, it is beneficial to get started with investments as soon as possible. Investing in mutual funds can be an easy, stress-free, and lucrative option.  Nowadays parents are also advised to invest in foreign stocks because there is a high chance of their child pursuing a global education. Moreover, a college education abroad is not just about the tuition fee, it is also about the cost of living. When you make money in a foreign currency, you can counter the problem of education inflation that plagues the college lives of students from Asian countries desiring to study in the West. 4. Involve your child  Last, but not least, it is very important to involve your child in financial affairs that concern their future. As your child grows up to be sensible enough to understand the basics of how money works, start teaching them about the income-expenditure ratio and the art of saving. You can encourage them to save whatever they can every month from their pocket money. As they grow older, educate them on market trends and how investments work. This way the stress will not just be on your shoulders as you grow old. In fact, the idea that your ward is well-informed on such affairs will ease most of the stress of family life.  Conclusion Children can not learn to be judicious with money if they are not taught to be so on a day-to-day basis. If you can get your kid involved in the whole procedure of college savings, they will also learn to do effective budgeting when they are on their own in a foreign city or country. FAQs How do I start saving money for college? The best way to start saving money for college is to start early. If you are a parent then start saving for your child's education when they are as young as 2 -3 years. The sooner you start building a fund for them, the bigger it will grow. If you are preparing for your own studies then investing in mutual funds is also an option. Time is of great value, try to start as early as possible to get ahead. Is saving for college a good idea? Saving for college is a great idea for parents. It helps you build a fund for your child's education, allows you to meet different financial goals, and secures a good life for your children. At what age should you start saving for college? The best age to start saving for college for your children is when your child is young. It is ideal to start when they are 1-2 years old. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Wondering if investments are a good option for your child’s future? Not sure when or where to start? This article details why early investments not only serve the purpose of helping your kid realize their dreams but also secure the entire family’s future simultaneously.  Now there is a fine solution to avoid all kinds of bewilderment and anxiety surrounding the expenditure for your child’s college education. It is called early investment. Be it investing in mutual funds, or directly into stocks, investing from the beginning of your family life is the way to go. Especially, if you have children or planning to have kids, now is the time to begin if you haven’t already begun.  Here is a list of reasons why investing early is good for your children’s future. 1. Planning is key Plan your investments like you plan your savings - smart and quick. Savings play an important role in building up an education fund for your kid. But savings alone are not enough to accumulate enough wealth. This is where investments come in.  Break up your investment goals like you would with your savings. Your emergency fund or retirement fund should not get muddled up with your kid’s college fund. Don’t worry about the exact amount of money you ought to invest. Start with small amounts depending on how much you can spare from your income. 2. Scope to diversify investments  Part of your planning for investments should be to decide how to diversify them. For example, you can read up on how different mutual fund schemes work and decide on investing in more than one. This way, you will not be at the sheer mercy of market fluctuations.   You are also advised to go for international equity stocks if you expect your kid to pursue their college education abroad in the future. Investing in foreign stocks is an effective way of balancing the pressure of education inflation. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have on your hand to patiently do your research or even consult a financial expert if required.  3. The boon of compounding  The simplest logic behind indulging in early investments is the same as the logic of early savings. With more time, a larger amount of wealth gets accumulated. But investments enjoy an added benefit - compounding. The extra amount of money you earn in the first round of investments later adds to the amount you originally invested. This means your money will be multiplying at increased rates as time goes by. This is also why investments are a superior option when compared to saving and more importantly, why you should start investing immediately.  4. The most secure future  Investing early in your child’s future education is not simply about securing their future. It is also about creating a hassle-free retirement life for yourself. Now even if your child desires to go to a foreign institution, you will be able to back them up without having to sacrifice your retirement fund.  Moreover, in most cases, the tax liability is way less when you start investing at the beginning of your career. This way you save more money. For later, you can go for tax-saving investment options like ELSS to make the best out of your investments. SIPs make investing even more effortless as you will not have to worry about it manually investing your money every month.  5. Setting an example for your kids  If you are a new parent or have a kid on the way, this tip is specifically directed toward you. It is important to remember that kids learn by imitating adults. When you teach them the benefits of saving and investing early, they start growing a consciousness that will shape their financial habits when they grow up.  Make your kids a part of the investment plan as soon as possible. You can later turn them into the beneficiaries of the funds you have built for them. By that time, they will be adept at managing the economic resources at their disposal.   FAQs Why investing early is so important? Investing early is important. It helps you find a sizable fund for your child and family's financial goals. Whether its paying for your child's education or buying a house, investing can help you achieve financial goals. What are 3 benefits of investing? The 3 benefits of investing are: Beats inflationary prices Helps you grow wealth and meet different financial goals Allows you to reap benefits of compounding Why is education called an investment? Education is an investment in itself because it is the means to an end. End goal like better lifestyle, job opportunities and personal growth. It is the best way to grow as an individual and provide a better life to yourself and your family. Conclusion Investing early in your kid’s college fund not only takes away the pressure of student loans but also helps them focus on academics and their career. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan  TALK TO AN EXPERT

Introduction The common myth about student loans is that they apply to only students who come from underprivileged family backgrounds. While education loans are crucial for meritorious students from not-so-well-to-do families, they can be a go-to event for families that can afford to pay for their kid’s education. You might wonder, why go for education loans when you have the money? Well, as understated as they are, education loans can help you inculcate some healthy monetary habits. They can help you compartmentalize your finances quite efficiently. Moreover, they come with a range of benefits.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eNtxkgpAbk a) Putting away pressure from other savings  A household runs on a variety of expenses, which is why it is so important to break these down. You can categorize your monthly income into expenditures and savings. When you compartmentalize, you can have some level of clarity on how much you would like to put away as savings. Saving for your child’s education is a brilliant idea but it is not entirely opposed to applying for education loans. This means that savings and loans are not alternative methods of securing your child’s education. In fact, they can go hand in hand in helping you manage your finances most effectively.  For example, covering all of the expenses related to your kid’s education it can take away all the strain on your savings and investments. You will no longer be required to liquidate your fixed deposits and mutual funds before their maturity period.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9P78xefVvQ b) Financial disciplining  Having money put away for your child’s education is a great decision on your part but that should not come in the way of your child learning to be self-dependent. In fact, education loans are a great way to teach your kid to manage their own finances.  It is a great start to the art of setting financial goals and meeting them no matter what. This kind of financial discipline can go a long way in teaching them to be responsible beings as they grow up.  Apply for Education Loans c) Creditworthiness & its rewards  Student loans are a great way to build credit. With the increasing credit score, your child will be qualified for future loans of this nature. It will instill self-belief in them regarding their capacity to be self-sufficient.  With education loans, you get to borrow money at relatively lower interest rates. On top of that, an impressive credit score makes your child more qualified to avail of future credits at low-interest rates.  d) Crucial if you are planning to go abroad  Education loans are particularly useful if the plan is to go out of the country for higher education. Global education takes into account not only tuition fees as an expense but also the cost of living, among other things. You should also consider that the value of the Indian currency has been depreciating for many years against most foreign currencies like the US Dollar. As such, the cost of sending your child abroad becomes exponentially high when weighed against the cost of sending them to a different city in India for higher education.  Thus, in most cases, your savings will not be adequate to support your kid’s education abroad, unless you have been saving for a child's education from an early age. If the candidate is worthy enough of the financial support, student loans are not only easy to avail, of but also within the capability of students to pay off simultaneously as they receive their degrees from reputed institutions abroad. Start Investing in Mutual Funds e) Tax benefits  Last but not least are the tax benefits that come as an added advantage to availing of education loans. Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act of India, the interests paid on education loans can be claimed as deductible. This means although tax benefits can not be applied to the principal amount of a loan, one can be exempt from paying the interest amount. Once your taxable income has been evaluated, you can avail of this tax benefit on your interest money without any higher caps. Such benefits are usually availed either by the candidate who is pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate course or by their legal guardian.  FAQs Is it wise to take a student loan? Yes, it is wise to take a student loan if it can help you sponsor your education or your child's education. Depending upon the interest rate, the repayment horizon, and the ROI of your course, you can determine whether or not you can afford the EMIs on your salary. What are the benefits of availing of an education loan? The biggest benefit of availing an education loan is the ability to finance your studies. It helps students across the globe pay for college and build a career for themselves. Other benefits of taking an education loan are affordable interest rates, grace period and repayment flexibility for students, tax benefits, help build credit, and help you save your savings for other financial goals. What are the disadvantages of education loans? There are many disadvantages of education loans - High interest rates and costly EMIs Loan repayment can last up to 15 - 20 years Students have to pledge collateral if the amount is higher Non-payment can lead to heavy penalties and affect your credit score Can induce stress and increase student debt in case of non-payment Conclusion Education loans are definitely a good idea because they can ease up not only your child’s educational path but also their prospective career routes. There are various kinds of education loan schemes available in the market. The things that you must consider while making this choice are low-interest rates, tax benefits, credit limits in the case of global education, and so on. Weigh your options carefully while choosing the best one for you.

While investing or saving, we have always come across one thing, “Be prepared for long-term goals”. We are always advised to save early to fulfill our long-term goals, objectives, and dreams. But, what about the short-term goals? What about an emergency corpus? How do you pay for or fulfill your immediate monetary requirements?  The answer to all the above goals is answered in this article! What are short-term goals?  Short term goals are something you want to do in the near future which can be today, this week, this month, this year, or even within two years.  Some examples of short-term goals in investment are: Paying for your child’s school fees every year.  Purchasing a smartphone.  Purchasing a laptop.  Purchasing jewelry for an occasion, etc.  Short-term goals are characterized in the following ways: They’re specific.  They’re measurable  They’re achievable  They’re relevant  They’re time-bound How can you save for short-term goals?  There are two main ways of saving for short-term goals with very low-risk levels.  Savings account: Keeping money or maintaining some cash balance in your savings accounts is one of the ways for achieving your short-term goals. But one main drawback of this method is that the interest on savings accounts is not at par with the inflation rate. This may cause you to lose money over time.  Mutual funds: For short-term goals debt funds are the best option. Based on the investor’s time horizon and risk appetite there are also various subcategories in debt funds for investors to choose from. These funds generate returns that are at par with inflation.  Best debt mutual funds for short-term goals  Now that we know what investment mode to choose, let’s look at some debt funds that are performing well. Fund name Annualized Returns (1yr) (%) Annualized returns (3yrs) (%) Short Term Fund Aditya Birla Sun Life Short-Term Fund 4.937.03ICICI Prudential Short-Term Fund 5.467.15 Banking & PSU FundUTI Banking & PSU Debt Fund 10.557.43Corporate BondICICI Prudential Corporate Bond4.816.63Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund4.326.77Money Market Funds (for immediate short-term goals)Aditya Birla Sun Life Money Manager Fund3.014.92HDFC Money Market Fund2.954.88 When you have a time horizon between 3-5 years, you can also opt for Hybrid funds as they give you the added advantage of equity exposure along with debt diversification.  The above-mentioned funds are suitable for a time horizon of fewer than 3 years and for investors with a very low-risk appetite.  FAQs What are short-term goals? Short term goals are something you want to do in the near future which can be today, this week, this month, this year, or even within two years. Which mutual funds are best for short term? Here are some mutual funds for short term - Aditya Birla Sun Life Short-Term Fund  ICICI Prudential Short-Term Fund  HDFC Money Market Fund This is not an investment advice. Please consult a financial expert for investing in mutual funds for short-term goals. Are mutual funds good for short term investing? Mutual funds are good for short term investing. There are some mutual funds that you can invest in for 3-4 months. These funds are likely to get you better returns than fixed desposits and savings account. While planning for investments to achieve a goal, always consult an investment advisor who will help you with your goal-based investment journey in detail. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

Financial freedom is on the wish list of everyone who understands its importance in living a fulfilling life. So often, we get caught up with just working to pay the bills, rent, and everything else that enjoying life is left for a tomorrow that’s always still coming.  As a parent, financial freedom is the greatest gift you can give your child and we’re here to help you with that goal. Here are four things that you can do as a parent to help your child achieve financial freedom.  1. Help them understand how money works Everyone who has trodden the path to financial freedom has taken the time to understand how money works and the role that it plays in their life. Of course, to say that it just buys you things is like saying that cricket is just hitting the ball with a bat. It negates the skill, strategy, and work that it takes to be good at the sport.  You can help your children with financial literacy by talking to them about the basics, introducing them early to the concept of finance, and encouraging them to read books and watch movies/documentaries on the subject. This will help them see through the “transaction” aspect and beyond, laying the foundation for a greater understanding.  2. Inculcate habits that will help them Great parenting is so often just inculcating the right habits. Teach them the value of saving and investing very early with a piggy bank. Be precise with the pocket money that you give them and make sure that it is neither too much nor too little. Encourage them to create a budget for their expenses and teach them how they can save more.  These habits will give shape their financial mindset which is going to help them achieve financial freedom. Create a bank account for them when they are eligible and get them excited about financial institutions such as equity markets and their functioning.  3. Do not burden them with student loans or other debt Financial independence is surely a scalable path but any kind of debt means that your child is starting the race far behind everyone else. Good education always comes at a considerable cost and student loans seem like the easy way out, but they often end up being the reason why young graduates stick around in unfulfilling jobs. So what’s the better way?  Early planning on your part can help save your children from this kind of debt. With the use of platforms like EduFund, you start investing early in your child’s education. This way, it is neither a burden on you nor on your child. An education cost calculator can help you find out how much your child might need for a good education and help you plan things out.  And only in the rarest of situations, if you still happen to fall short, you can opt for student loans that don’t burden your child entirely.  4. Be their financial role model Your children learn things by looking at you tackle life. The easy way of teaching them the art of budgeting would mean including them in the conversation when you sit down to budget. Similarly, show them your investment portfolio, and show them the kind of diversification you are hoping for and why.  Tell them how much you save and why. They answer their curious questions patiently. Tell them why you could buy that new car but why you wouldn’t (right away). Teach them about debt and when it is good and when it is bad.  When your children grow up looking at you as their financial role model, they will try to replicate those same habits and that would help them achieve financial freedom.  FAQs What is the fastest way to achieve financial freedom? The fastest way to achieve financial freedom is to set financial goals,, determine how much you need to retire and start working towards the goals. Investments, creating multiple sources of income and sticking to the budget are some ways to achieving financial freedom. It is important to have assets that provide you with a regular income and help you manage your finances on a daily basis. What's the 50/20/30 rule? 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting rule for financial management and success. The idea is to divide your income into three categories, spending 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. How can I be financially free in 10 years? Financial freedom means different things to different people. It is important to pen down your goals, the amount you need to be financially free and assess the ways to achieve that goal. There are some tried and tested ways like investing in mutual funds, creating multiple incomes, investing in stocks, starting a retirement fund that can help you achieve financial freedom. What are things that you can do as a parent to help your child achieve financial freedom? Help them understand how money works Inculcate habits that will help them Do not burden them with student loans or other debt Be their financial role model Conclusion The topic of financial literacy has been gaining footing in the global dialogue for a while. It is not such a taboo subject anymore given the rise of the millennials and their financial leanings. If you have children or are planning to have children anytime soon, make sure you familiarize yourself with the topic of financial literacy today. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Becoming wealthy is an aspiration that can be seen across the board, with the young as well as the old. This aspiration is higher among the middle-class and low-income groups considering the higher number of obstacles they face in life due to financial difficulties.  While there is a case to be made for extravagant wealth emerging out of successful business ventures, the numbers are lower than required for a methodical generalization. So, the question that arises is - what is the constant among individuals who emerge out of the middle-class and low-income groups to be wealthy?  1. The education factor  Formal education is a constant that can be seen far and wide among such individuals who emerge as financial successes. The path to financial success surely passes through lanes of formal education which then springboards them to lucrative jobs and promotions. Unsurprisingly, better education has often led to greater chances of financial success.  For instance, students who study in top-ranked institutions around the world have greater chances of financial success than others. A remarkable proof of this fact is the large salary packages offered to graduates from top universities in India and abroad. The IITs in India are often in news for the highest salary packages offered by MNCs to their students - something that’s increasing rapidly year after year.  2. The catch-22 of education expenses  If formal education is the way to financial success, and if tuition costs are rising to levels of unaffordability - how then would students be able to afford the education that affords them financial liberation?  This is a question that does not have one answer. There is an argument to be made about the legislature that should ensure that the cost of education never goes beyond the reach of low-income households. But that is a change that is going to take time and time isn’t a luxury that parents can afford, so what are the other options?  3. Planning ahead to combat education inflation Parents now have the ability to plan ahead for their children’s education. The education inflation today cannot be combated any other way but by careful planning and early investing. An education cost calculator can tell parents exactly the corpus that they might need to send their children to the university of their choice.  The second step is to utilize available platforms like EduFund to start investing systematically to let the power of compounding propel your savings to the amount your children might need for their education. There is no sure path to financial success but this has to be the one with the best odds.  4. Is just formal education enough?  While formal education can get you to a place where you can make a good regular income, financial success requires financial discipline. Living on less than you make is perhaps the first and obvious step. This should be followed by careful saving and responsible investing to ensure that your money is working for you and creating wealth.  FAQs What are 7 tips for financial success? 7 tips for financial success: Adjust your expenses based on your income Start saving and investing early on Stick to the budget Create an emergency fund Avoid loans Create multiple streams of income Pay your credit card pills on time How do you achieve financial success? The best way to achieve financial success is to set financial goals and invest systemically. For starters, you should have an income that allows you to fulfil all your needs, save money for emergency and use the spare for investments. What are the side effects of chasing money? Chasing money can be mentally exhausting and can lead to a burnout. Its important to relax, destress and enjoy the process of making money as you grow. Conclusion Getting wealthy has plenty to do with making the right decisions but the good news is that there are enough and more examples of people out there who have made it happen. The first step is getting the right education and upskilling. 

The decision-making process that characterizes a transition phase in an academic career is often hectic and confusing. Such phases come when you are stepping up from one grade to another say, moving from a graduation to a post-graduation degree or from a doctoral to a post-doctoral one. Once you have shortlisted the places you want to apply for, the next hard part is going through the admissions.  The admission procedure can come across as tricky especially if you are planning to move overseas for your higher studies. What has recently complicated this process, even more, is the coronavirus pandemic. The pillars of the education system are almost as shaken as the other important infrastructural pillars on which society stands upright. But worry not as we have discovered the secret ingredient to success - adaptability. The wisest way of navigating the admission procedure of the post-covid world is to be aware of the main changes so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.  The Virtual mode of correspondence  One of the major developments in the post-covid world is the online mode of communication. Schools and colleges have been operating through this mode of correspondence. Although it comes with its drawbacks and is quite different from the offline experience, it is also the best possible solution the system could come up with. Be it abroad or within the country, the mode of instruction is going to be online until institutions decide to call students back to campus.  Foreign universities have been focused on improving vaccination drives so that students can start being part of the campus again, and not just in spirit. The physical journey of going abroad is an indispensable part of pursuing global education. But when you come to think of it, a maximum number of candidates deciding not to go abroad only means that the competition will increase within Indian academia. Thus, it is advisable to go through the admission process instead of waiting for the next academic session.  Changes in dates & deadlines At one point, everything had practically come to a standstill because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Although the spread of infections has not stopped completely, now things are once starting to look up as we officially enter the post-covid world. Universities are doing their part in facilitating the influx of international students on campus.  A lot of universities have decided to go easy on the rigorous process of standardized testing like language tests and so on, to lighten the burden for international students. The pandemic has created a gap in academic sessions since colleges and universities had remained closed for months. But even in the post-COVID world, a lot of universities have decided to postpone deadlines so that students can use the extended period to recover from the trauma of the infamous viral outbreak and prepare their applications peacefully.    Other forms of flexibility Other than extending deadlines, universities are also offering waivers on application fees so that more candidates can have a go at it without having to worry about the expenses. If you are worried that the academic curriculum won’t be as rich through the virtual mode, you might want to consider the webinars and online conferences universities are organizing to make up for the loss of on-campus experience. Some universities have, in fact, organized webinars dedicated to explaining the application procedure including all relevant details about acquiring your student visa.  Online certifications & scholarships Another rather new development that has diversified studying options for students is the introduction of many online certificate courses. These are often technical courses that might make you a better competitor than other applicants. A lot of scholarships have also been devised to prevent underprivileged candidates from giving up on their dreams. Now is also a great time to know more about which student loans are suitable for you. Start investing in schemes that will help generate the funds you will need for applying to universities and buying gadgets that will help you have a swift online experience.  FAQs How can I increase my chances of getting into university? If you are planning on global education, the pandemic might cloud your judgment regarding whether or not you should head out of the country at the moment.    No matter what the situation, the level of competition within academia is not going down. But the expenses of going to a different city or a foreign land to pursue education will only rise as time goes by. Know the right benefits made available for international students in foreign universities to make the best decision for yourself.  Which entrance exam should be taken if we want to pursue postgraduate courses in the US? English language entrance test: TOEFL or IELTS   Entrance exams for MA and MSc: GMAT or GRE   Entrance exam for MBA courses: GMAT   How do you write a good statement of purpose for studying abroad? The only way to get into a top university abroad is to make your application unforgettable. This means working consistently on your scores and extracurriculars and creating a remarkable statement of purpose. Avoid generic statements and quotes. Make sure your statement of purpose highlights all your achievements and your future vision.   Try to align your goals with the course you have opted for and the scholarship’s aim. By showing that your aims are aligned with the scholarship’s aim and your course, you can prove to the deciding committee that you are a desirable candidate.    How do you apply to universities worldwide? The wisest way of navigating the admission procedure of the post-covid world is to be aware of the main changes so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.    One of the major developments in the post-covid world is the online mode of communication. Schools and colleges have been operating through this mode of correspondence. Although it comes with its drawbacks and is quite different from the offline experience, it is also the best possible solution the system could come up with. Be it abroad or within the country, the mode of instruction is going to be online until institutions decide to call students back to campus Conclusion As the saying goes, time and tide wait for none. Similarly, it is not advisable to take gap years because of the pandemic, except in the case of emergencies. If you are planning on global education, the pandemic might cloud your judgment regarding whether or not you should head out of the country at the moment.  No matter what the situation, the level of competition within academia is not going down. But the expenses of going to a different city or a foreign land to pursue education will only hike as time goes by. Know the right benefits made available for international students in foreign universities to make the best decision for yourself.

What is market timing? Does time in the market beat timing the market? Everyone wants to maximize their portfolio returns by timing the market. This is why you’ve probably wondered what is the best date you can choose for your SIPs in Mutual Funds.  But does timing your SIP dates help, in the real world? Let’s find out in this short article.   Look at the picture below. The market will always have short-term fluctuations/downfalls. However, if you look at the big picture or the overall trend of the market, you will realize that it is always positive/rising.  Staying invested for a longer period irrespective of the movement in the market can help you avoid the impact of short-term fluctuations.   Source: BSE Sensex  Note: Major positive/negative events have been plotted. 1. Understanding it better Let’s consider 5 situations where investors A, B, X, Y & Z invested ₹5,000 every month through SIP, for the past 11 years, in BSE Sensex as follows: Mr. A invests at the bottom/Min. of the market every month.  Mr. B invests at the top/Max. of the market every month.  Mr. X invests on the 7th of every month.  Mr. Y invests on the 3rd of every month.  Mr. Z invests on the 25th of every month.  SIP Date Min. Max. 7th 3rd 25th Period 11 Years 11 Years 11 Years 11 Years 11 Years Amount Invested ₹ 6,60,000 ₹ 6,60,000 ₹ 6,60,000 ₹ 6,60,000 ₹ 6,60,000 Accumulated ₹14,23,461 ₹ 13,39,728  ₹ 13,95,550  ₹ 13,95,550  ₹ 13,78,804  XIRR 13.42% 12.41% 12.83% 12.81% 12.95%  Note: XIRR stands for Extended Internal Rate of Return. It is used to calculate returns on investment where there are multiple cash flows (e.g., SIP) taking place at different intervals. IRR considers all the cash flows – both, inflows and outflows- and all the times at which these cash flows happen.  Source: Any SIP Calculator Note: The period under study is between Jan’11 to January ’21. Data for the BSE Sensex Index has been taken for calculating the SIP returns.   2. Time in the market matters more Looking at the above returns, we can see that TIMING THE MARKET doesn’t really make much of a difference. It is also very difficult to time the market.  In fact, to be able to time the market correctly, you need to be a trader and not just an investor. Long-term investments should not be based on dates.  Instead of timing the market, try to remain invested for a longer period. Focusing on early investing is also as beneficial as staying invested for a long period. This is because compounding adds value to your investment journey.   3. Understanding long-term investing Long-term investing helps mitigate short-term risk & fluctuations in the market and can be rewarding over the long term.  Long-term investing is based on compounding and the rupee-averaging cost. Read on to learn a little more about these two terms.  4. What is compounding? Compounding means you not only receive the returns on the amount that you have invested but also on the returns that keep getting added to your invested amount.  In investing, compounding acts as a multiplier in your investment portfolio. The great thing about compounding is that you will eventually reach a point - where the number of returns that are reinvested will become more than the originally invested amount.  All you need to do is start investing early & over time, compounding will grow your money for you. Let’s consider another example. Here Mr. C starts investing 5 years late. Take a look at what the returns will be below.  SIP Amount Period Amount Invested Accumulated XIRR ₹ 5,000/Month 6 Years ₹ 3,60,000 ₹ 5,80,549 15.50%  To achieve the target amount of 13.50 Lakh+, Mr. C needs to start a SIP of ₹11,500/Month. If Mr. C had started investing 5 Years earlier, the SIP would have been 59% (₹5000/Month) less than the current SIP Amount. You can calculate your returns for multiple cashflows with XIRR.  Note: Considering Mr. C invests in BSE Sensex.  Lets’ understand what will be the impact on the SIP Amount & the Invested Value, by considering a  target for the Accumulated Value as ₹13.50 Lakh+, if an investor starts 5 years early and another starts 5 years late.  Period 6 Years 11 Years 16 Years SIP Amount ₹ 12,800 ₹ 5,000 ₹ 2,400 Amount Invested (Lacs.) ₹ 9.22 ₹ 6.60 ₹ 4.61 Accumulated (Lacs.) ₹ 13.54 ₹ 13.73 ₹ 13.95 XIRR 12.00% 12.00% 12.00%  Source: EduFund Research; BSE  Note: For the above calculation, XIRR has been considered as 12% p.a. The above is calculated using a normal SIP Calculator.  Look at the 3 scenarios above. The SIP amount and invested Amount have been drastically reduced to ₹2400/month for any investor who has started investing 5 years early.  For those who have invested 5 years late, the SIP Amount shoots up to ₹12800/month & the Invested Value is also the highest i.e., ₹9,22,000. So, one should start investing as early as possible, irrespective of the amount.  2. What is rupee cost averaging?  Rupee Cost Averaging is a concept in which you invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals. This ensures that you buy more shares of an investment when prices are low and less when prices are high. Over a period of time, the cost per unit averages out and usually places the investment in a perfect position to earn good returns.  One need not worry about timing the market as this approach lessens the short-term market fluctuations on your investments.  FAQs Is timing the market better than time in the market? Timing the market is better than time in the market is a cautionary investment tale. Is it better to time the market than time in the market - based on research, most people have had better results by staying invested for longer than by timing the market. Is time in the market beat timing? Timing the market can be tough for experienced and novice experts. It requires constant vigilance, market prediction analysis, and a deep understanding of the marketplace. What is the biggest risk of market timing? The biggest risk of market timing selling before or selling too late. It is difficult to predict a market high or low. Stock markets are notoriously unpredictable and require constant monitoring, analysis and a deep understanding of the stock market. Conclusion In conclusion, we’d recommend starting to invest early and remaining invested for a longer period instead of trying to predict the market.  Even experts cannot time the market. However, the earlier you start investing, the better. Investing early also adds financial discipline to your life.   Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Families, large or small, are built on trust and love. But human emotions are not enough to guarantee absolute security. Only by financially securing a family unit, can it be expected to be strong on all fronts. If you are wondering about what exactly you can do to make your family financially strong, this is just the blog for you. Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels There are all kinds of literacy - the most common kind is the one we eventually acquire in school as we grow up. But academic literacy is not the only kind; two other basic types of literacy include emotional intelligence and financial literacy. These two forms of literacy are also the foundational pillars that can support a family unit.  Here are a few fundamental ways of learning financial literacy and, thereby, building a strong family unit.  The art of saving The art of saving is an important addition to the art of living. By saving money one makes sure that they will have resources to fall back upon in the future if needed. Saving is not just to be able to provide for yourself and your family during a dire situation but also to have a surplus of wealth that instills a sense of control & confidence. While saving, you are advised to separate your private savings from your family savings. In other words, you will be required to make separate lists of financial goals for yourself and your family. This might sound like an arduous task but in the future, you will thank yourself for being organized and creating more pockets for wealth accumulation.   Investment goals as a family Investing is considered a superior way of securing your future as compared to saving. This is a popular opinion for all the right reasons. First of all, saving will help you preserve a part of your wealth but it will not help you generate more of it. This is where investments come in.  It is important that individuals have their own goals as well as investment goals that they share with their families. A family unit can have financial goals for medical purposes, housing, emergencies, and so on. Invest as soon as possible so that you can enjoy maximum returns.  Regulating expenditure The whole story of gaining financial literacy begins with the regulation of funds at one’s disposal. Within a family, you might have individual expenses and collective expenses simultaneously. Thus, it is all the more important to calculate such costs so that you can remain prepared for every expense that comes your way.  The trick is to go about it systematically so that everything is accounted for. Begin by listing down your monthly expenses as a family. Calculate the aggregate cost and measure it up against your family income. You must be cautious about leaving aside money for investments and savings.  Organizing family goals  Starting your own family can sometimes be tricky because you are expected to share a huge part of your existence with one or more beings. In such a situation, it is not just space that you are expected to share but also resources and financial goals.  While family members will be there for each other at every step of each other's lives, it is still healthy to separate your personal goals from your family goals when it comes to money. In fact, in a marriage where your family comprises just your spouse, try not to mix your collective funds with private funds.  FAQs Why is financial literacy important for everyone? Financial literacy is an essential part of growing up. It helps you manage your money, budget all your expenses, avoid accumulating debt, reach financial goals like educating your kids, buying a house, retirement plan. How relevant is financial literacy to every member of the family? Financial literacy is important for every member of the family because it teaches you the value of money. It helps you explain to your children the importance of saving, spending, and investing. Understanding the need for a budget, and explaining the value of earning and investing can help you and your family avoid debt, gain financial security and achieve big financial dreams faster. Why is financial literacy important for children? Teaching financial literacy to your children is important task for parents. From teaching them basics like budgeting to explaining concepts like investments, all these concepts can help them grow into sustainable and responsible individuals who understand the value of money. Conclusion Building a financially strong family unit is not only about inculcating the above-mentioned habits but also teaching financial literacy to your young ones. You can be their financial role model and teach them to be disciplined from an early age. And to secure their future and their future education, EduFund is your partner to make their dreams come true. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT