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Are you looking for ways to start your investment journey? Are you confused between the lumpsum vs SIP investment route? Maybe mutual funds can be the right way of starting but which one you should choose?  Don’t worry, we’re here to help you!  Let’s get to know about Lumpsum and SIP: which is better and when to choose?  What’s lumpsum?  Investing in a mutual fund as lumpsum refers to investing a big sum of money to get locked up into a one-time investment. This is a one-time investment rather than spreading it out over time, like in SIP (Systematic Investment Plans).   Lumpsum investments are usually preferred by big players or investors who are actually dependent on company stocks for capital creation. For an investor with a massive funding quantity and a high-chance capacity, a lump sum mutual fund funding may be an amazing opportunity.  Suppose you get the whopping bonus at the end of the year and after settling all the expenses, you still have around Rs. 50,000 - 75,000 left! In this scenario, you can invest the money as a lump sum investment wisely as a lumpsum order in a fund of your choice. Benefits of lumpsum  With the lumpsum investment method, people can invest a large amount in one go. As a result, when the market shows a growth period, then the value which you have invested also increases.   Lumpsum investments are great for those who wanted to invest for the long term and have a bulk amount ready.   Lumpsum investments are great for the long term. If you are interested in a time horizon of nearly 10 years or more.  Investing in a long-term investment can be risky but still, it gives better returns.  While investing in long-term investment, gives the money more time to grow potentially. When to choose lumpsum investment?  If you have got a whopping bonus and after settling your expenses you can opt for lumpsum investment. If you are a freelancer and you’ve got a big amount after completing a big project then you can opt for a lumpsum investment. What’s SIP?  A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), popularly called SIP, is a facility provided with the aid of using mutual funds range to the buyers to spend money in a disciplined way. SIP scheme allows investors to invest money at defined intervals in a selected mutual fund.  The starting Investment can be as low as Rs 500 and the defined interval can be weekly/monthly/yearly. It’s convenient as you can give instructions to debit the price every month.  SIP has been gaining a reputation amongst Indian Mutual Fund investors because it enables them in making an investment in a disciplined way without annoying marketplace volatility and timing of marketplace. Systematic Investment Plans presented by Mutual Funds are effortlessly an excellent manner to go into the arena of investments. Benefits of SIP  With SIP, you can even invest as low as Rs 500 each month and let it grow. SIP is super easy, easy to track, and also lets you save more.  The best feature of SIP is rupee cost averaging, where you can buy more, when the market is not at a peak point and buy less when the market is at a peak point. This is because of the built-in feature of SIP, where whenever the market is low, you can buy more which reduces your cost and gains more.  SIP provides amazing flexibility. Long-term investments are not that flexible. You can withdraw whenever you want to at your convenience. You can either withdraw the whole amount or half of it.  As compared to other investments, SIP provides you with better and higher returns.  SIP operates at the percept of receiving compound interest on your investments. In different words, a small quantity invested for the long term collects higher returns than a one-time investment.  When to choose a SIP?  If you are a person who earns every month or you are a salaried person then it can be suitable for you that you can save and invest every month. Or, if you earn very little then you don’t need to wait for a big sum of money, you can just start investing a little amount every month.  If you can’t opt for long-term investment or can’t invest a large sum of money then you can definitely go for SIP to start your investing journey. SIP vs Lumpsum Now that you know what is the lump sum vs SIP investment route, it's time to analyze which is better for you.  Investment as lumpsum or SIP has its own set of benefits and advantages. It’s hard to choose just one because both are good ways of investing.   The biggest difference between the two depends on how you are investing. In lumpsum, you need to invest in one go while in SIP, you can invest monthly.  Many investors choose SIP as it’s more convenient and more flexible. It is also a good choice for small investors who are just starting off and do not have a huge income. As a SIP investor, you can start saving with as little as Rs. 100 with certain mutual funds. Conclusion  You can never say that SIP is better than lumpsum or vice versa. There will be something in both of them which will be better than the others. An investor can never choose only one.   Both have similar benefits and differences. That’s the reason why it’s important to start investing early so that you can learn while investing in your journey.  It’s advised you to choose one which is better for you and suitable for you.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

What is digital gold? What are the benefits of Digital Gold as an investment? How is it better than buying traditional gold? Digital Gold refers to the process of buying and investing in gold virtually. You can do all of this online; there is no need to go to a jewelry store. It’s the more suitable way of buying gold.  Investors who want to sell or buy gold can do it without any problems with one click. The minimum cost of buying or selling gold can be as low as Rs 1. Benefits of Investing in Digital Gold  Safe storage: The best benefit is its hassle-free and secure storage, which can be guaranteed. The gold you buy will be stored in a secured vault.  The minimum limit for buying or selling gold: There’s no limit on buying costs. The minimum cost can be as low as Rs 1. The person who buys the gold will have it registered under his name.  Collateral: If you are looking to take out a loan, then you can keep the digital gold as collateral for the loan.  Authenticity: Virtually all gold bought today is 24 karats, and that’s why it’s 99.99% pure. The chances of fraud are low.  Easy exchange: Another advantage is that digital gold can be exchanged anywhere, anytime, for physical gold or coins.  Gifts: It can be the perfect gift for someone’s wedding or birthday day. You can gift anyone the digital gold you brought without worrying about its safety and physical transfer. Disadvantages of digital gold  The price at which you have invested doesn’t increase. It doesn’t increase your invested money.  There’s a maximum amount in which you can invest, which is Rs 2 lakh.  Even though when buying digital gold, you don’t need to pay making charges, you still have to pay 3% GST with it.  There is no regulation by SBI or SEBI.  Who should buy digital gold?  Anyone who cannot buy physical gold or cannot invest large sums of money at once can choose digital gold.  You can buy digital goods without worrying about their safety. You can buy digital gold in the Edufund app too. Link for the app (URL)  You can buy digital gold from any other source too.  Digital gold can be bought and sold anytime at market price without going to a jewelry shop.  You can buy other types of digital gold, such as gold bonds or ETFs. This is the best way to invest in gold.  Indians are in the second position in terms of buying gold. More than 100 million consumers own digital gold. FAQ Is investing in digital gold worth it?  Buying and storing digital gold makes it much easier, more useful, and more secure than buying physical gold How long can I not sell my digital gold?  Five years. Is there GST on digital gold?  There is a 3% GST on digital gold.Digital gold can be a good option for those who want to start their investment journey but are not ready to invest too much. One of the best benefits of digital gold is the flexibility and convenience of buying and selling

While the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 receive the most media attention, investors should be aware that there are several stock indexes.   The Russell 2000, often regarded as the benchmark for smaller U.S. stocks, is one of the most popular indexes that does not cover significant corporations.  With that in mind, here's a quick review of what investors need to understand about the Russell 2000 Index. What is the Russell 2000 index and how does it work?  The Russell 2000 index follows the Russell 3000 stock index's 2,000 smallest public businesses by market capitalization. The Russell 1000 large-cap stock index contains the remaining 1,000 firms.   As small-cap companies, such as those in the Russell 2000, account for a substantially lower portion of the U.S. share market as compared to large caps, the Russell 2000 accounts for around 10% of the market capitalization of the entire market. The FTSE Russell Group ranks every company in the Russell 3000 based on market capitalization. It divides the top 1/3 into the Russell 1000 and the bottom 2/3 in the Russell 2000 to determine which companies make each list.   Every May, the FTSE Russell Group re-examines companies to see if their current ranking is appropriate - because corporations grow or shrink coverage, and new businesses that deserve to be in the indexes may emerge.  Eligible firms that go public via an initial public offering (IPO) and fit by market capitalization can be included in the Russell 2000 every quarter between the yearly rank day reconstitution. As a result, the Russell 2000 may occasionally monitor over 2,000 equities.  Breakup of index  Here is a look at some of the companies in the index and the sectoral breakup.  CompanyTickerAMC EntertainmentAMCAsanaASANCrocs Inc.CROXOvintiv Inc.OVVTetra Tech IncTTEKLattice SemiconductorLSCCIntella Therapeutics IncNTLAAvis Budget Group IncCARSilicon Laboratories IncSLABMacys IncM Related indices   FTSE for traders keen on tracking the performance of specific areas of the small-cap world, Russell Group divides the Russell 2000 into smaller indexes. The following are some of the additional indexes  Russell 2000 Defensive  Russell 2000 Dynamic  Russell 2000 Growth  Russell 2000 Value  Russell 2000 Growth-Defensive  Russell 2000 Growth-Dynamic  Russell 2000 Value-Defensive  Russell 2000 Value-Dynamic  The Russell 2000 Index performance  Since 2000, the Russell 2000 has outperformed the Russell 1000 (the Russell 3000's large-cap section) and the S&P 500 in terms of total yearly returns.  The Russell 2000 small-cap index follows the S&P 500 large-cap index rather closely, though there are periods when it moves more significantly on one side or the other.  Small-cap stocks are much more volatile than large-cap stocks in general. Thus, they react more significantly to market changes.  The Russell 2000 Limitations  Investors who desire to invest in small-cap stocks follow the Russell 2000. Keep in mind that the index excludes hundreds of companies that are too insignificant to be in the index.  The Russell 2000 does not include the "micro-cap" category, which represents the smallest companies on the market. They are, nevertheless, among the fastest-growing equities in the market.  Investors who rely too heavily on the Russell 2000 may be missing out on opportunities in other industries and areas. For example, the index favors financials, health care, tech, and industrials, but it has little representation of companies in the communications and materials industries.  What is the best way to invest in the Russell 2000 index fund?  You don't have to buy all 2,000 stocks in the Russell 2000 Index to invest in it. You can invest in the index through a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks it passively.  The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO), for example, invests in all of the stocks in the index based on their relative weights. The ETF's costs are low, with a 0.10 percent expense ratio, so its long-term returns should be nearly comparable to those of the index sectors.  Should you put your money in the Russell 2000 index?  The Russell 2000 index is a brilliant complement to any investment portfolio, but it isn't for everyone.  The Russell 2000 exposes investors to the greater risk and greater reward of small-cap investing without disclosure to any firm or industry because of its broad exposure.   This can provide investors with the perfect blend of a comfortable ride while allowing for the significant returns that small-cap firms may be better poised for. FAQs What is the Russell Index 2000? The Russell 2000, often regarded as the benchmark for smaller U.S. stocks, is one of the most popular indexes that does not cover significant corporations.  Which companies are in the Russell 2000? Companies in Russell 2000 are Crocs Inc. (CROX) Ovintiv Inc. (OVV) Tetra Tech Inc (TTEK) Lattice Semiconductor (LSCC) Intella Therapeutics Inc (NTLA) Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR) Silicon Laboratories Inc (SLAB) Macy's Inc (M) Is Russell 2000 a major index? Russell 2000 is one of the most watched and followed indexes in the USA. When should you invest in Russell 2000? The Russell 2000 exposes investors to the greater risk and greater reward of small-cap investing without disclosure to anyone firm or industry because of its broad exposure.   TALK TO AN EXPERT

Are you interested in investing in stocks with a range of market capitalizations? Do you wish to build your portfolio flexibly? Consider investing in Flexi-Cap Funds. It is a type of mutual fund that invests without limitations, primarily in large, mid, and small-cap companies. Fund managers optimize exposure to a specific market segment depending on the state of the market.  What are Flexi-Cap Funds? Flexi-Cap Funds make stock investments in various market capitalizations, topics, industries, and sectors. The fund must invest at least 65% of its assets in equities and securities related to equity, per SEBI regulations. Depending on the state of the market, the fund manager may choose to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market segment.  According to AMFI data, Flexi-Cap funds received the most money from equity funds in June 2022, amounting to Rs 2,511.74 crore. In addition, the Flexi-Cap Fund sector had a 31% average return for 2021. For example, Flexi-Cap Funds beat Multi-Cap Funds, ELSS, Small-Cap Funds, Mid-Cap Funds, Thematic Funds, and Thematic Sectoral Funds. Should you invest in Flexi-Cap Funds? If you have a more significant risk tolerance, consider investing in Flexi-Cap Funds. It is appropriate for individuals familiar with the market and may have a large allocation to mid-cap and small-cap firms. If this is your first time investing in the stock market, stay away from this one.  The stock market has been highly turbulent after Russia invaded Ukraine. It's because India imports over 80% of its energy needs, and global crude oil prices have also risen. Inflation in India is skyrocketing as domestic gasoline, diesel, and LPG costs increase. In the current market environment, Flexi-Cap Funds have chosen a novel strategy. For instance, the average asset allocation for Flexi-Cap fund schemes was 65% of assets allocated to large-cap stocks. Large-cap stocks have better stability and increased liquidity in a turbulent stock market; therefore, investing in them is a wise strategy. Large-cap companies are also more risk-adjusted during a market crash since they are more established and offer larger returns.  Flexi-cap funds have less risk to mid-cap and small-cap firms when the markets are unstable. It gives the portfolio more stability than mid-caps and small-cap stocks, which tend to tumble in a declining stock market. If you're looking for credible alternative investments in the present market since large-cap funds have recently underperformed, consider investing in Flexi-cap funds. Why invest in Flexi-Cap Funds? You can build a diversified portfolio with the aid of Flexi-Cap Funds for every market scenario. You are exposed to equities from various sectors, industries, and themes.  To maximize investment returns, Flexi-cap funds combine various investment strategies. For instance, the value style concentrates on inexpensive companies to maximize long-term profits, whereas the growth style concentrates on growth potential.  The Flexi-Cap funds are an option; they have outperformed peers and the benchmark index over time. Additionally, seek performers that deliver in both bull and bear markets. Whenever the stock markets are down, choosing Flexi-Cap funds, which have performed well, pays off. Examine the portfolio of the Flexi-Cap fund because some are more conservative and have a bigger risk to large-cap stocks. If your time horizon is greater than five years, only then are Flexi-Cap funds required. It's because equities funds can provide long-term gains that outpace inflation. Nevertheless, pick Flexi-Cap funds with a lower expense ratio, representing the fund management cost. Over time, it contributes to rising overall returns. In summary, Flexi-Cap funds are a wise investment in a turbulent stock market.  What is the difference between Flexi-Caps and Multi-Caps?  Fund managers for multi-cap schemes must ensure that 25% of their assets are invested in each of the three market caps, large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap. Flexi-cap funds are exempt from this restriction in all three parts.  Who should invest in Flexi-Cap funds? Long-term investors with some investing experience should consider Flexi-cap funds. It allows owners and fund managers the flexibility to make asset investments based on their perception of the market.  It might be appropriate for investors with a five to seven-year investment horizon because it might offer better returns and possibly outperform inflation. They ought to be ready for potential ups and downs in their investments, though. Flexi-cap funds taxation  Flexi-cap funds are taxed under the Income-tax Act of 1961 as equity-oriented schemes. Regardless of the slab rate, profits from a Flexi-cap scheme are taxed at a flat rate of 15% within a year. After the first exemption of Rs. 1 lakh relates to all long-term capital gains, profits over 12 months are subject to a flat 10% tax rate. Conclusion  Investors should choose a Flexi-cap program very carefully. Before investing, they must be aware of their risk appetite and tolerance. Flexi-cap plans, for instance, may be conservative. Therefore, it is up to you if you are a risk-averse person or the opposite. Flexi-cap schemes, like other schemes, are subject to various market risks, including volatility, economic decline, and geopolitical conflicts. Other than that, if there's any confusion or you need any information, our team of efficient financial advisors is always available for you. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Want to invest in India? Here are the best top 10 investment options in India available to park your money!  Every investor wants to enjoy ultra-high returns by undertaking ultra-low risk. However, this possibility is non-existent in reality. The risk-reward equation says that one has to experience more trouble to get high returns.   So, a sound risk-reward analysis must reap the highest possible benefits before choosing an investment. India is the land of possibilities. The Indian economy is growing at a great pace, with a vast population dividend to reap.   With India's ever-expanding infrastructure, high level of competitiveness with the other major global economies, and very significant economic influence, India will be a powerhouse of economic growth in the future. For you to become a part of this growth journey and increase your wealth in the meantime, we'll tell you about ten ways to invest in India.  There are two categories of investments in the broad aspect  Financial investment  Non-financial investment Financial investment includes stocks, bonds, and different bank products, whereas non-financial investment assets include gold and real estate Top 10 investment options in India 1. Equity shares Among all the investment products listed here, direct equity investment offers the highest returns in a combination of stock appreciation and dividends. Equity markets often tend to be considerably volatile in the short run but give better inflation-adjusted returns when a long-time horizon (10 years and beyond) is taken into account.  You can directly buy and sell shares of companies listed on the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and the NSE (National Stock Exchange). You can take different types of trades like intra-day trade (buy and sell on the same day), swing trade (buy and sell over a week or a month), and invest for the long term. You can diversify your portfolio by purchasing stocks of companies from different industries – thus, taking into account the growth in various sectors of the economy. Because of the unpredictability of the world markets and the possibility of sectoral turbulence, equity is the riskiest asset class (not considering cryptocurrency here) out there to invest in. There always remains a chance of potential capital wipe-out when the markets crash during challenging economic scenarios.   2. Equity mutual funds Equity mutual funds are packages that invest in inequities. For example, instead of purchasing individual stock from a particular industry, you can purchase a mutual fund that encapsulates the growth of that industry, these are less risky because of their diversified nature.  According to SEBI rules, an equity mutual fund invests more than 65% in equity. An equity mutual fund may either be managed actively or passively. The returns on these mutual funds also depend on the fund manager's expertise.   3. Debt mutual funds As the name suggests, debt mutual funds invest most in debt securities – these funds appeal to investors with a low-risk appetite with the request for steady returns. Debt mutual funds make investments in government bonds, corporate bonds, treasury bills, and other money market instruments.   Low risk does not mean any risk. Debt mutual funds bring along credit risks and interest rate risks that you need to study well before investing in debt mutual funds.   4. Fixed deposits (FD) A bank FD is safer than almost all investment options out in the market. With a high degree of safety come meager returns. FDs are a way to keep your money (the returns are often so low that they do not even match inflation figures), not an instrument to grow your money.   In the case of bank default, the depositors get insurance for up to Rs 5 lakh each (under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee corporation).   5. Bonds Bonds are fixed-income securities representing a loan advanced by a borrower to the investor. When governments or even listed companies want to raise money in debt, they issue bonds to the public. You can purchase these bonds in the bond market.   Bonds offer fixed interest payments to the bondholders (a variable interest payment system is also there). Prices of bonds and the rate of interest move in the opposite direction. At maturity, the entire principal has to be paid back. There are different types of bonds, like government bonds, corporate bonds, and municipality bonds.    The risk of investment in bonds also arises from potential inflation outstripping the rate of interest on the bonds. Furthermore, when you buy bonds that are not well-rated, there remains a chance of default, wherein you might lose out on what you lent out.   6. Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojna (PMVVY) This investment instrument is for senior citizens (age > 60 years). PMVVY provides a guaranteed return of 7.4% per annum. The payout offered is pension income payable either monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, or annually, with pension amounts ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 9250.   The upper limit for the investment amount is Rs 15 lakh, with a tenure of 10 years. The senior citizen (or the nominee in case of the senior citizen's demise) receives the maturity amount.  7. National Pension Scheme (NPS) This is a retirement-oriented investment instrument managed by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It is a mixture of equity, debt, fixed deposits, and liquid funds. You can decide the proportion of your investment according to your risk appetite. You can invest in this for as low as Rs 1000.    There exists a risk factor here as well – it comes from the underlying assets that the scheme invests in; depending upon the exposure to equity and debt (etc.), the risk is determined.   8. Public provident fund (PPF) PPF is a 15-year-long tax-free (interest) instrument. The interest on PPF accounts is reviewed by the government every quarter. A minimum of Rs 500 every month also works for a PPF account. A sovereign guarantee backs the interest earned here, and thus, PPF is a very safe investment.   9. Gold Gold is often known as a haven for investors. Gold will act as a hedge in your portfolio. Historically, gold has been a winner in times when the economy is in the doldrums. In the long run, the increasing price of gold makes it a good investment.   You can buy digital gold, sovereign gold bonds, gold ETFs, and physical gold. It is also a very liquid asset to possess.   10. Real estate Real estate investment is a humongous task for the general public. The real success of the investment depends on the type, location, and possible rental yield of the property. Also, the houses you reside in are not investments, because they do not generate positive cashflows.  The profits in real estate are generated through the price appreciation of the property and the rent that it yields. A suitable property can overhaul all negative returns in your portfolio, while a bad one can block your capital with no growth possibility. With the high investment amounts, asset illiquidity, and many regulatory approvals, real estate remains a less popular investment choice among the commoners.   Use your risk-reward analysis to choose the best option for you. FAQs How to choose the best investment options? To choose the best investment options, you need to first understand your goals, when you want to achieve them and the cost required. For example, your goal is to send your daughter to the UK to study abroad. You may have a time span of 10 years- 12 years (assuming your daughter is in school). This means you need 50-60 lakhs to fund her education and maybe more considering inflation. Once, you know your goal, you can now approach a financial advisor or explore yourself to figure out your investment options to get the amount. What types of investment options in India are suitable for an average person? There are many investment options in India that are suitable for the average Indian. They can go for Mutual funds, ETFs, Indian stocks, US stocks, Bonds, Gold, Digital Gold and much more. The investment options depend upon the short-term and long-term goals that the investor has set for themselves. Why should I check my risk tolerance before investing money? Risk tolerance refers to how much risk one is willing to take and how much money are they willing to expose. Markets are volatile by nature and are driven by multiple factors that can affect your investment. Understanding the risk involved and ensuring measures to minimize the impact allows you to check your risk tolerance. What do you mean by a diversified investment portfolio? A diversified investment portfolio gives you exposure to different investments. For example, investing in stocks, mutual funds, ETFs and US dollars can bring diversification to your portfolio. Diversification does not mean taking on different types of investments, it means seeking a balanced portfolio and exposure to different investments. It is important to consult a financial advisor for a diversified investment portfolio. Consult an expert advisor to find the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

Living expenses in Canada for Indian students are very high and aspiring applicants need to be aware of them before traveling abroad for the desired study course. Canada is the preferred study hub because of its growing economy, cultural diversity, access to seamless medical care, and unlimited job opportunities.  The country is known for its excellent education system, distinctive curriculum, numerous study courses, and reputed colleges and universities. A promising future encourages Indian students to travel to Canada for higher studies but what about the living expenses?  There has been a lot of speculation about the living cost in Canada hence let us find the answers to the queries related to the cost of essential expenses. Living expenses in Canada for Indian students The average living expenses in Canada for Indian students vary between 15,000 CAD (nearly INR 8.9 lakhs) – 20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs) every year based on individual lifestyles and different cities across the country.  The essential living expenses that an Indian student has to incur include- 1. Accommodation (average monthly cost) The most popular options for accommodation are dormitories which house many students and townhouses which house three to six students. Both on-campus accommodations have several facilities like hot water, internet, and heat. Other popular choices are shared apartments and unfurnished rental apartments. The average monthly living cost of the accommodations is-  Dormitories 350 CAD – 600 CAD (nearly INR 20,958 INR 35,928)Townhouses 250 CAD – 650 CAD (nearly INR 14,970 - INR 38,922)Shared Apartments 400 CAD – 800 CAD (nearly INR 23,942 – INR 47,904)Unfurnished Rental Apartments300 CAD – 500 CAD (nearly INR 17,964 – INR 29,940) Master's vs. PGDM in Canada? Read More 2. Food (average monthly cost) It is easy to get an estimate of food expenses by going through the rates of some of the most common food items. Water (1.5 liters)1.84 CAD (nearly INR 110)Rice (1kg)3.74 CAD (nearly INR 224)Apple (1 kg) 4.24 CAD (nearly INR 254)Cheese (1kg)12.99 CAD (nearly INR 778 )Milk (1 Liter)2.46 CAD (nearly INR 147)Eggs (12)3.63 CAD (nearly INR 217) How to finance a child's master's in Canada? Read More 3. Transportation (average monthly costs) Students use public transport in Canada as it is quite safe and easy to navigate. You can get student discounts by showing your student ID card. The average monthly costs of using some of the common modes of transportation are –  Bus 100 CAD – 150 CAD (nearly INR 5,988 – INR 8,982)Subway65 CAD – 99 CAD (nearly INR 3,892 – INR 5,928)Taxis per km40 CAD -50 CAD (nearly INR 2,395 – INR 2,994) Canada University Fee Structure Read More 4. Health Insurance (average annual premium) Every international student must have a health insurance policy in Canada. The coverage depends upon the province where one lives. Some popular medical insurance plans with their costs are BC MSP Program74 CAD/month (nearly INR 4431)iMED 225 CAD for 3 months (nearly INR 13,473) 5. Miscellaneous (average monthly cost) It is important to factor in personal expenses like clothing, laundry, toiletries, etc. which are part of everyday spending and depend upon an individual’s lifestyle.  Other important expenses include Electricity (average monthly costs) – 50 CAD (nearly INR 2,994) Phone bill - (average monthly costs) – 40 CAD – 100 CAD (nearly INR 2,395 – INR 5,988) Internet (average monthly costs) – 30 CAD – 50 CAD (nearly INR 1,796 – INR 2,994) Tenant’s Insurance (average monthly costs) – 15 CAD – 30 CAD (nearly INR 898 - INR 1,796) Cost of living in some of the cities of Canada The cost of living for Indian students depends upon their lifestyle and the city they live in. Some of the popular and most costly destinations for students and the average cost of living in that city are mentioned below- City The average cost of living every yearToronto37,000 CAD (nearly INR 22 lakhs)Montreal 25,000 CAD (nearly INR 14.9 lakhs)Ottawa20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs)Calgary26,904 CAD (nearly INR 16.1 lakhs)Vancouver38,484 CAD (nearly INR 23.08 lakhs) 10 Tips to save money in Canada 1. Try to save money Save money whenever you can. If you find alternatives to doing something on your own then instead of spending it, save the money.   2. Apply for scholarships Every college has scholarships. Canadian universities offer amazing scholarships to potential students, so take advantage of them.     3. Keep a budget To save money as a student, you need to keep a budget for everything. When there’s no budget maintenance, people tend to spend more. Have a fixed budget for the month and don’t spend more than it.  4. Cook your meals University campuses are filled with food stalls and fast food joints and when you are hungry, you buy them, and then your bank balance drops.  So cook for yourself.    5. Claim student bank discounts and offers All bank in Canada has offers for students. Take advantage of them. Save every penny.   6. Buy second-hand stuff if you can You might need something but you don’t need to buy everything new. You can buy them in any second-hand marketplace and you can find anything there.  So instead of buying everything new or on amazon search it in these marketplaces.  7. Don’t use credit cards Credit users tend to spend more as they think they have enough money but you spend more than they need.  So cut them off.  8. Start doing a side hustle  Start earning!   Start doing a hustle so that you can earn more. Then you don’t have to worry much about your expenses. There are too many ways to earn more.   9. Use a bicycle If you need to travel daily and it’s a short distance then buy a bicycle instead of using public transport and spending more money.  10. Lower your party days Party is okay, everyone loves to party but don’t do too much of it too. Set a monthly budget for it.   FAQs How can I earn money in Canada? Students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus in Canada. You can take up some internships or part-time jobs or start a side hustle. International students on a student permit are legally allowed to work and earn a living in Canada to help with finances.   What is the average living cost in Canada? The average living expenses in Canada for Indian students vary between 15,000 CAD (nearly INR 8.9 lakhs) – 20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs) every year based on individual lifestyles and different cities across the country.  Is living in Canada expensive? Canada is considered one of the most expensive countries to live in. The most expensive city in the country is Toronto. How much money do you need to live in Canada comfortably? As a student, you need roughly 15,000 CAD (nearly INR 8.9 lakhs) – 20,000 CAD (nearly INR 11.9 lakhs) every year. What problem an International student can face? Problems like cultural shock, new language, new people, accommodation, money management, etc. There are many student accommodation scams and foreigner scams that you need to be aware of so that you do not end up losing your hard-earned money. Conclusion Canada is no doubt an expensive country and it is challenging to manage the education and living costs simultaneously. A well-structured financial plan can be a blessing in disguise but you need an expert who can formulate such an organized plan for you.  Knowing about the living expenses in Canada for Indian students is important especially when they are preparing for overseas education. The college cost calculator on the Edufund app takes into account the future living costs so that the students can be aware of the average total cost of studying abroad and plan accordingly. 

Investing is no longer associated with wealth. To protect one's future it has become essential. In this blog, let's compare Public Provident Funds (PPF) and mutual funds to see which is a better option for you. What are public provident funds(PPF)? The Public Provident Fund, popularly abbreviated as PPF is used as a tax-free savings vehicle to save aside a portion of one’s annual income for the future. PPF investors may get tax-free interest income on their capital if the amount was received on maturity. PPF is a risk-averse person's saving tool that is supported by the government. What are Mutual funds? Mutual funds, a popular method of investing, pool client money to purchase a range of securities, such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments.  Mutual funds are governed by the Securities Exchange and Board of India (SEBI). Through mutual funds, investors have access to professional fund management. The fund management staff carefully considers the fund's objective before making any investing decisions. Assets like bank savings accounts and fixed deposits perform better than more traditional ones, thanks to skillful management. Equity and debt mutual funds are the two main types of mutual funds. Equity mutual funds' primary investments are equity and equity-related goods. The many forms of equity funds include large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, multi-cap, sectoral or thematic, tax-saving, etc.  Conversely, debt mutual funds make investments in corporate bonds, government securities, and other financial goods. There are many different types of debt mutual funds, including liquid funds, dynamic bond funds, and short- and ultra-short-term funds, among others. Mutual Funds Vs PPF (Public Provident Funds). PPFs and mutual funds, each have their own set of perks and drawbacks. Therefore, it is a good idea to take into account their distinctions before choosing one at random. ParametersMutual FundsPublic Provident Funds (PPF)Investment run byFunding institutions or asset management firmsBy The Government of IndiaRequirementsTo achieve short- or long-term objectivesTo amass a retirement fundReturn on investmentsThe performance of the underlying assets affects the returnsAnnual returns calculations are madeTax benefitsThe sort of mutual fund investment and the length of the investment are what define itUp to INR 1.5 lakh of PPF investments are tax-free under Section 80C of the Income Tax ActMaturity PeriodNo fixed tenure15 years, which may be extended in 5-year chunks.LiquidityA high degree of liquidityLow degree of liquidityRisk/safetyRiskier than PPFsPPF is a risk-free investmentLock-in periodNo concrete lock-in period15 yearsDiversificationYesFixedPremature withdrawalThere are certain mutual funds that have a lock-in period; in these instances, SIP payments can be stopped, but withdrawals are not allowed prior to the maturity date.Only after the end of six fiscal years is a partial withdrawal permitted. PPF vs Mutual fund - Which is better for you? The decision between a PPF and a mutual fund relies on the objectives or aims of the investor. The latter operates more like a savings plan whereas, the first is a market-linked program.  While PPF delivers predictable returns and is most suitable for investors who are risk-averse. Conversely, mutual fund companies invest in a variety of securities, including government bonds, debt, and shares. As a result, it offers the potential for bigger profits, but because it is market-linked, the risk is also higher. FAQs Is PPF still a wise choice for investments? One of the most popular long-term and tax-saving programs for depositors is the PPF program since it offers a variety of benefits. If a person can make consistent investments for 15 to 25 years, compound interest might help them amass a sizeable wealth of about Rs 1 crore. The PPF interest rate is modified every three months. Which is preferable, PPF or SIP? SIP and PPF are both long-term investing strategies. They vary, nevertheless, in terms of maturity and lock-in time. A PPF has a tenor of 15 years and a 7-year lock-in period, whereas SIPs can be stopped and redeemed at any time. You can then take out a portion of the money after that. Which investment is good for a child's future? It is a great idea to start investing in equity mutual funds when your child is still young and you have at least 15 to 20 years before retirement. This makes it possible for you to resist shocks like volatility and stock market crashes. When developing investment plans, each person has their own way of thinking and attitude. While some people want larger profits, others want financial security. It's critical to assess your financial status before making any form of investment, including those in mutual funds or Public Provident Funds (PPF). Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

A crucial first step to achieving financial security is to set short-term, mid-term, and long-term financial objectives. But what do these goals stand for? What are the differences between short-term and long-term goals? Keep reading to find the answer. What are short-term goals? Anything that can be accomplished in less than two years is considered to be a short-term goal. Although this is a useful generalization, where to draw the line between short-term and long-term objectives is ultimately fairly arbitrary. A goal accomplished in one and a half years and one accomplished in two years and a month have no discernible differences.For instance, a short-term goal for your child’s education needs can be a laptop or a phone. You can select the best funds and a time horizon to save up for the cost and accomplish your goal easily. This is a short-term goal which means you plan to accomplish it in the next 1 or 2 years. Click here to start a short-term goal for your child’s education dreams. What are long-term goals? In contrast, anything that takes more than five years is considered a long-term goal. Long-term objectives include things like paying off a mortgage and saving for retirement. The terms "short term" and "long term," nevertheless, aren't always sufficient. Some people favor including medium-term objectives as well. These objectives usually take two to five years to complete. Despite their apparent opposition, the two temporal periods complement one another. Long-term goals shape your short-term goals. For instance, a long-term goal can be your child’s dream college. Long-term goals generally require a long-term horizon. If you are planning to save for your child’s college then starting 10-15 years in advance is the right way to go. This gives you enough time to save up and make the right corrections over the years to get the right amount by the time they go off to college. Use the college cost calculator on the EduFund App and start saving for your child’s long-term goals! Key short-term goals Your more pressing expenses are those for short-term aims. These are the things you'll often spend money on within a few months or years, though timing varies. The following are some top key short-term goals: 1. Establish a Budget By reading through your bank statements and bills from the previous few months and classifying each item with a spreadsheet or on paper, you may make a budget the old-fashioned way. You can decide better where you want your money to go in the future when you can see how you are spending your money and are directed by that information. You can try to find methods to eat out less frequently or save money by following certain practices etc. 2. Build an emergency fund The cornerstone of creating financial goals is an emergency reserve. If something unforeseen occurs, it's what keeps the rest of your strategy from falling apart. Without an emergency fund, one unforeseen expenditure, such as a busted water heater, medical expenses, auto repairs, or a job loss, might cause all of your other objectives to fall through the cracks. Your emergency fund has to be sufficient to pay for three to six months' worth of costs. You may wish to save even more if you are paid on commission or have a fluctuating income. Make a budget and, if necessary, cut spending so that you can afford to set aside some of your money. 3. Open a life insurance policy By purchasing life insurance, you guarantee that your loved ones will be compensated in the event that you die away and are unable to support them. A cash lump amount is often used for this, serving as a safety net to replace your income. Life insurance coverage is crucial for defending yourself and others who depend on you, much like an emergency fund. Even though nobody likes to consider the worst-case scenarios, anything may happen tomorrow. Key long-term goals It can take years or perhaps decades to accomplish these aims. Long-term objectives often require more resources and ongoing care than short-term objectives. The following are some top key long-term goals: 1. Consider your dreams Long-term objectives might also include objectives like purchasing a primary residence or, eventually, a vacation property. Maybe you already own a home and want to give it a considerable upgrade, or maybe you want to start saving for a bigger house. Other examples of long-term objectives include saving for college for your kids or grandkids, or even for when you do have kids. Once you've chosen one or more of these objectives, start estimating how much money you'll need to put aside to make progress toward achieving them. 2. Plan for retirement Retirement savings goals are among the most long-term-oriented in terms of planning. Finding out how much money you need and how close you are to that objective is the first step in this process. Then, you may reach your destination through a variety of retirement plans, which is a perfect illustration of how long-term goals ultimately need to be divided into more manageable goals. How to prioritize your goals? You'll probably need to strike a balance between a number of short-term and long-term ambitions. Plan your objectives around your regular spending, putting necessities like food and shelter first. Contributing to emergency and retirement accounts is a top priority; after paying off debt, do so. After that, you may choose how to divide the remaining funds between your demands and other savings objectives. The most essential thing is to stay consistent. Don't be upset with yourself if you have to withdraw money out of your emergency fund one month because you have an unanticipated auto repair or medical cost; that's why the fund is there. Just get back on track as soon as possible.

Hybrid mutual funds are the type of mutual fund scheme that invests in two or more asset classes, i.e., equity, debt, and other asset class, depending upon the fund’s objective. This helps the fund manager to diversify the portfolio not only among the sectors but also among different asset classes. Hybrid funds are subdivided into different categories, i.e., based on equity-debt allocation, based on solutions, and others. Aggressive Allocation: The fund has the flexibility to invest 65-80% in equity & equity-related instruments and 20-35% in debt instruments. Balanced Hybrid: The fund has the flexibility to invest 40-60% in equity and equity-related instruments and 40-60% in debt instruments. Conservative Allocation: The fund can invest 10-25% in equity & equity-related instruments and 75-90% in debt instruments Types of Hybrid Funds Hybrid funds come in various types based on their asset allocation: Equity-oriented Hybrid Funds: These allocate 65% or more to equity and the rest to debt and money market instruments. Debt-oriented Hybrid Funds: They invest at least 60% in fixed-income securities and the remainder in equity. Balanced Funds: With a minimum of 65% in equity and the rest in debt, they offer tax benefits on long-term capital gains. Monthly Income Plans: These primarily invest in fixed income, with a small portion in equity, providing regular income to investors. Arbitrage Funds: These seek arbitrage opportunities by buying low and selling high, switching to debt when opportunities are scarce. They have a tax treatment similar to equity funds. Each type serves different investment goals, offering a range of risk and return profiles. Benefits of hybrid funds Hybrid funds offer several advantages: Simplified Diversification: They provide access to multiple asset categories within a single fund, reducing the need for multiple investments. Active Risk Management: Hybrid funds actively manage risk through diversification and asset allocation, investing in non-correlated assets like equity and debt. Enhanced Diversification: They diversify across various asset classes and sub-classes, such as different stock types and growth/value stocks, boosting portfolio diversification. Risk Catering: Hybrid funds cater to various risk profiles, accommodating conservative, moderate, and aggressive investors. Multi-Asset Class Exposure: Hybrid funds provide multi-asset allocation to the portfolio by investing in equity, debt, and other asset classes. Actively Managed: All the hybrid funds are actively managed by professional fund managers. So, as per the market condition, the fund manager has the flexibility to change the fund’s allocation. Top 6 hybrid funds S.No.Fund Name3-Yr Annualized Performance1Quant Absolute Fund Growth Option Direct Plan28.29 %2Bank of India Mid & Small Cap Equity & Debt Fund Direct-Growth25.71 %3Edelweiss Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Plan-Growth16.37 %4Baroda BNP Paribas Balanced Advantage Fund Direct-Growth16.05 %5Bank of India Conservative Hybrid Fund Direct-Growth14.74 %6Kotak Debt Hybrid Direct Growth12.17 %Note: Data as of July 25, 2022Source: Morningstar 1. Quant Mutual Fund Fund analysis: The fund has the flexibility to invest 65-80% in equity & equity-related instruments and 20-35% in debt instruments. The risk grade is above average, and the returns grade is high. The fund has given consistent performance over different trailing period returns. The fund has outperformed the category average over the period. It has invested in equity and debt securities. ProsConsFund has outperformed the category average with good margins. Attractive risk-to-reward ratio.Low Assets Under Management. Start Investing 2. Bank of India Mutual Fund Fund analysis: The fund's objective is to provide capital appreciation and income distribution to investors from a portfolio constituting mid and small-cap equity and equity-related securities as well as fixed-income securities. The fund holds major holdings in mid-cap companies and the cyclical sector holds 62.84% weightage followed by sensitive 20.52% and defensive 16.64%. The risk grade is high, and the returns grade is also high. ProsConsHigh growth potential. Invested in AAA quality bonds.High expense ratio. Start Investing 3. Edelweiss Mutual Fund Fund analysis: The fund’s objective is to generate capital appreciation with relatively lower volatility over a longer tenure of time. The Scheme will accordingly invest in equities, arbitrage opportunities, derivative strategies on the one hand, and debt and money market. instruments on the other. The Scheme may also invest in Infrastructure Investment Trusts and Real Estate Investment Trusts. The fund has outperformed the category average over the long-term period. The fund has a well-diversified portfolio of 113 equity holdings and 14 bond holdings. The risk grade is average and the returns grade is high. The fund has the flexibility to invest 0-100% in equity instruments and 0-100% in debt instruments. ProsConsFund has outperformed the category average with good margins. Fund has invested in both value & growth stocks along with AAA-rated bonds in the debt category.Fund has underperformed the category average over 3-Months & 6-Months trailing returns. Start Investing 4. Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund Fund analysis: The fund has the flexibility to invest 0-100% in equity instruments and 0-100% in debt instruments. The risk grade is average, and the returns grade is high. The fund has a well-diversified portfolio of value & growth stocks and has invested across sectors. In the debt market, the fund has invested majorly in aaa-rated bonds and money market instruments. ProsCons5-star rated by Morningstar. The risk grade is average, and the returns grade is high.Fund has underperformed the category average over 3-Months & 6-Months trailing returns. Start Investing 5. Bank of India Mutual Fund Fund analysis: The fund can invest 10-25% in equity & equity-related instruments and 75-90% in debt instruments. The risk grade is high, and the returns grade is also high. The fund has a blended style of investing, indicating both value & growth stocks. The fund has invested across sectors and AAA-rated bonds. The fund has 23.99% in equity, 50.20% in bonds, and 25.81% in cash & money market instruments. ProsConsFund has outperformed the category average over different trailing period returns. The fund has captured the market well when it was falling & rising, better than the category average.High expense ratio. Start Investing 6. Kotak Mutual Fund Fund analysis: The fund’s focus is to provide regular income by investing in debt instruments, along with some exposure to equity & equity-related instruments to enhance returns. The fund may also invest in derivatives to hedge the position. The risk grade is average and the returns grade is high. The has given a consistent performance over the period and has also outperformed the category average by good margins. The fund has invested 24.88% in equity, 66.94% in bonds, and 8.18% in cash & money market instruments. ProsConsConsistent performance. The fund captured the market well when it was falling & rising, better than the category average.Fund has underperformed the category average over 6-Months trailing returns. Start Investing How do hybrid funds work?  Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. While equity has the potential to generate high returns, it comes with high risk. On the other hand, debt is a fixed-income instrument with low risk and returns. So, in hybrid, you can see a fund with moderate risk and return due to the availability of both asset classes. A hybrid fund gives you both asset classes in a single product. Equity provides long-term gain, whereas debt provides short-term stability or regular income.  Boost Your Financial Liquidity: Dive into the Top 6 Liquid Mutual Funds Read More Who should invest in hybrid funds? A hybrid fund is perfect for: First-time investors - Investors are looking for stability like fixed deposits and fear the risk of volatility over the short term. Hybrid funds give a good entry point to the equity market.  Investors with a 3-5 years horizon - For any medium-term goal like buying a car, school fees, etc., hybrid funds can be a good option as returns generated are relatively less volatile. Retired Investors: Investors who have retired can look to generate regular income with the help of hybrid funds and their unique asset allocation. Short-term investors - Arbitrage funds provide a good option for investors looking to park money in volatile market conditions. Taxation 1. Equity-Oriented Schemes - A fund with a minimum of 65% in equity or equity-related instruments is treated as equity funds for taxation. Arbitrage funds are also classified as equity funds for tax purposes. For equity, the taxation is as below -. Long-Term Capital Gains: If held for more than a year, it is known as long-term capital gains and comes with a 10% tax over Rs 1 Lakh gains which is tax-free. Short-Term Capital Gains: If held for less than a year, it is known as short-term capital gains and comes with a 15% tax 2. Other Schemes: Long-Term Capital Gains: If held for more than three years, it is known as long-term capital gains and comes with a 20% tax with an indexation benefit. Short-Term Capital Gains: If held for less than three years, it is known as short-term capital gains. Gains will be added to the investor's income and taxed as per their tax slab. Conclusion: Investors should consider hybrid funds as part of their portfolios. As they can provide you attractive risk-to-reward ratio along with low volatility. Talk To An Expert FAQs Is it good to invest in hybrid funds? Hybrid mutual funds are the type of mutual fund scheme that invests in two or more asset classes, i.e., equity, debt, and other asset class, depending upon the fund’s objective. This helps the fund manager to diversify the portfolio not only among the sectors but also among different asset classes. What is a hybrid fund example? Some hybrid fund examples are: Quant Absolute Fund Growth Option Direct PlanBank of India Mid & Small Cap Equity & Debt Fund Direct-GrowthEdelweiss Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Plan-Growth Is a hybrid fund better than equity? Hybrid funds are the best of both worlds - equity and debt funds! Investors who are willing to take moderate risks and gain high returns can consider this type of fund after consulting an investment advisor. Are hybrid mutual funds safe? Hybrid funds are safer than equity funds and less risky. Disclaimer:This is not recommendation advice, use it for educational purposes only. Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully. The NAVs of the schemes may go up or down depending upon the factors and forces affecting the securities market including fluctuations in the interest rates. The past performance of the mutual funds is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the schemes

UTI Asset Management Company (AMC) UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 lakh crore, the AMC is one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes. Let us talk about its flagship product – UTI Master share Unit Scheme  About Fund  1. Investment objective The fund seeks to generate long-term capital appreciation for investors by investing in equity and related securities of large-cap companies. It is India’s first equity-oriented fund launched in October 1986.   2. Investment process   The Fund takes a top-down view of the sector and then takes a bottom-up approach to select the stocks within the sectors. The fund is a well-diversified portfolio and avoids sector as well as stock concentration.  3. Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 87% and sectorally major exposure is towards financial services which account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 63% of the portfolio.   Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Top 5 Holdings  Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Financial Services 9.52 Infosys Information Technology 7.12 HDFC Financial Services 6.12 Bharti Airtel Telecom 4.52 Reliance Oil and Gas 3.93 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Fund performance over 35 years  If you would have invested 10 lakhs at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs 18.20 crore whereas the benchmark (S&P BSE 100) would have fetched you Rs 11.88 Crore.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – October 15, 1986. Source: utimf.com  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 35 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 15.56%.  Now, let’s look at the fall of the fund during market corrections. Source: utimf.com The above table explains that the fund has seen less fall/correction compared to the market correction. While corrections are painful for the short-term investor, at the same time, it is an opportunity to make higher returns for the long-term investors.  Fund manager  The fund is managed by Swati Kulkarni and Karthikraj Lakshmanan. Swati has over 36 years of experience and has been managing the fund since December 2006. Karthikraj has over 17 years of experience and is a new entrant in this fund management.  Who should invest in UTI Mastershare unit scheme?  Investors looking to  Own large-cap businesses with sound management, steady cash flow, and earnings growth  Build core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation with steady growth  Why invest in the UTI Mastershare unit scheme?  India’s first equity-oriented fund with a proven track record of over 35 years and over Rs 10,000 crore in Assets Under Management currently.  Strong stock selection approach with a diversified portfolio reducing concentration risk  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more  A systematic investment Plan (SIP) is an ideal way to take exposure as it helps tackle market volatility  Conclusion  The fund is the oldest fund with a proven track record of 35 years and has delivered 15.56% CAGR consistently. Thus, suitable for even first-time equity investors who are looking to take a little higher risk DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

UTI Asset Management Company (AMC) UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 lakh crore, the AMC is one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.  Let us talk about its flagship product – UTI Flexicap Fund.   About Fund  1. Investment Objective The fund seeks to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and related securities of companies in a flexible manner across the market capitalization spectrum.  2. Investment Process   The Fund follows a bottom-up stock selection method with well-defined metrics of free cash flows, capital efficiency, and ability to compound earnings. The fund has a well-diversified portfolio and avoids sector as well as stock concentration.  3. Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 77% and sectorally major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-fourth of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 70% of the portfolio.   Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % Bajaj Finance Financial Services 6.06 ICICI Bank Financial Services 5.59 HDFC Bank Financial Services 4.26 Infosys Information Technology 4.09 Kotak Mahindra Bank Financial Services 3.92 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Fund performance over 30 years If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs 3.64 lakhs whereas the benchmark (Nifty 500 TRI) would have fetched you Rs 2.91 Lakhs.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – May 18, 1992 Source: utimf.com  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 30 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 12.56%. Fund Manager  The fund is managed by Ajay Tyagi. Mr. Tyagi has over 20 years of experience and has been managing the fund since January 2016. Mr. Ajay Tyagi, CFA is a Senior Executive Vice President and Head – Equity at UTI AMC. In addition to managing a few domestic mutual fund schemes, he is also an investment advisor to a few India-dedicated offshore funds. He is a CFA Charter holder from The CFA Institute, USA, and also holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Delhi University.   Who should Invest?  Investors looking to  Build their core equity portfolio by investing in quality businesses across all sizes  Invest in a fund with a disciplined approach to portfolio construction.  Why invest?  The fund shall comprise high-quality businesses that have the ability to show strong growth for a long period of time  Quality companies perform across the market cycle.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more.  A systematic investment Plan (SIP) is an ideal way to take exposure as it helps tackle market volatility  Conclusion  The fund is the oldest fund with a proven track record of 30 years and has delivered 12.56% CAGR consistently. Thus, suitable for even first-time equity investors who have a moderately high-risk appetite and can remain invested for a long period.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only

Short-term goals are specific and measurable goals that are easy to accomplish. The benefits of short-term goals are that it helps to bridge the gap between the present and where you want to be in the immediate future. What are short-term goals? Short-term goals are doable plans that are comparatively easy to achieve. These are realistic by nature as people can easily focus on them and are time-bound so that desired targets can be achieved in a shorter duration.  Short-term goals are short-period goals that can last for a few months and a maximum of one-year duration but not more than that.  Individuals can set short-term goals both in their personal and professional life. Some examples are learning a new skill, keeping a diary, building an emergency fund, saving for your child’s upcoming school trips, or saving money to pay quarterly school bus fees. Benefits of Short-term Goals 1. Provides clarity to the overall plan The short-term goals give a clear understanding of what the ultimate objective is and how to reach it in the best possible manner. It provides clarity to the overall plan because there is a definite plan of action with shorter and more manageable steps. Parents who are interested in creating an education corpus for their children should segregate the goal into small manageable steps. For example, think about the immediate future and invest in small-term schemes like 6-month FDs or school fees goals on the EduFund app to save for annual school trips or quarterly school fees. 2. Gives direction and maintains focus The benefits of setting up short-term goals are that it gives direction to your thoughts and helps to maintain focus. Once the goal is set, the path becomes clearer because you have a plan of action that simply needs to be followed. 3. Helps to prioritize Daily, weekly and monthly planning helps people to prioritize things based on their importance and decide what, how, and when they need to accomplish the targets. Prioritizing filters out the unimportant things that do not matter at present and are simply distracting you from the main goals. 4. Prevents a feeling of anxiety Setting up short-term goals reduces the to-do list considerably and stops an individual from being overwhelmed with work.  When you know that things are manageable, it will automatically reduce stress, and the feeling of anxiety will also minimize. Such goals keep people on the set path so that they are not burdened by things. When an individual invests in short-term schemes, they can easily meet an immediate or sudden financial requirement which is not possible if the amount is invested only in savings plans that are most suited for long-term financial requirements. This will help to relieve any anxiety caused by sudden expenses. 5. Time management Setting short-term goals are beneficial as it encourages time management, like investing to pay a credit card debt. Individuals already have a target and a plan to accomplish set goals within the time frame. 6. Achieve measurable progress Short-term goals are measurable goals with a clear path and an end destination in sight, for example, investing to buy a laptop. It becomes easy to set deadlines, track work, see the gains made and achieve measurable progress daily. 7. Inspires to move forward When a person has a proper plan in place, it helps to maintain focus and walk on the path diligently. You can look back and measure your growth and improvement from the onset to where you are currently standing. When people see progress, it inspires them to move forward with more grit and determination. 8. Build momentum When the goals are short-term, individuals tend to be full of energy as they want to take action immediately. It is possible to see the daily progress being made and keep track of how close you are to accomplishing the desired goals. The excitement and energy to move forward act as a motivational tool and builds momentum. 9. Overcome procrastination Procrastination is a serious threat to goals. The best thing about short-term goals is that people do not have the time for procrastination. The goals have a set deadline which does not allow a person to waste time as they have a path to follow where every step is already defined, like saving INR 3,000 every month for eight months to buy a laptop for higher studies.   10. Increases self-confidence Short-term goals are clear and specific by nature that will result in measurable outcomes. Individuals are fully engaged in their tasks and are also motivated to achieve them at any cost. Daily progress and goal achievement boost self-esteem and increase self-confidence of a person. 11. Increases the chance of long-term success Short-term goals give quick results and keep the motivation level high. People generally divide their goals into short, mid, and long-term goals like investing in FDs, mutual funds, ETFs, etc. The reason is that they do not want to lose focus or direction midway. The short-term goals serve as appropriate building blocks for greater dreams. When you have achieved several such goals, then the chance of long-term success automatically increases.  Conclusion The benefit of short-term goals is that it motivates individuals to persist in their efforts and move forward. The chance of success is much higher as people do not lose their direction or focus. In simple terms, short-term goals promote progress and growth in both personal and professional lives. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

The benefits of long-term goals are that it helps individuals to realize their dreams over time. Sometimes you need to prioritize and work things out. Setting long-term goals gives people the opportunity to achieve desired results eventually. What are long term goals? Long-term goals are the desires, visions, or ambitions that people know will take some time to achieve. These goals are generally accomplished in the future. The timeline varies from a few years to several years as the long-term goals cannot be achieved in a day, month, or even one year.  Long-term goals can be professional or personal goals like a young man of 20 wanting to become a manager at the age of 30, marrying and settling down by the age of 35, taking a break and traveling for six months by the age of 40, setting up an education corpus for a child or planning the retirement fund. Benefits of long term goals 1. Gives direction Without long-term goals, individuals will only think about the present and not think about the future, which as everyone knows is quite unpredictable. Suppose an individual is earning INR 40,000 per month and does not have any long-term goals. He will then spend most of his salary without worrying about future consequences. What happens if he suddenly falls ill or he requires a lump sum amount in the future? Long-term goals give direction, help people to think ahead, and make provisions accordingly hence they are beneficial in both personal and professional life.  2. Key to changing your life Long-term goals act as a key to changing your life. Every person has a vision for a bright future. The benefit of long-term goals is that it works as the inspiration behind the goals that motivate and urge to make dreams a reality. Once the goals are set people often are encouraged to reach the end of the road by any means. They are no longer afraid of the difficulties in their path instead are driven to reach their goals.  3. Motivational tools  A long-term goal is an important motivational tool that gives the individual a focus point. When you have set a long-term goal then you have a target to achieve and it becomes easy to work for and towards it with complete dedication and determination.  4. Increases self-confidence Long-term goals inspire a better future and help you to see what you want and what you can achieve in the long run. Measurable and specific long-term goals encourage a positive mindset, help to avoid procrastination, and increase productivity. All these factors at the end of the day boost the self-confidence of a person.  5. Gives purpose to everyday actions Setting up goals is not an easy task nor is moving towards it with complete dedication but once you set up long-term goals they can persuade a person towards his end goal. Long-term goals give purpose to everyday actions and urge an individual to move forward even if the daily activities seem boring.  6. Encourages organized behavior Breaking your goals into medium, short and long-term goals encourages organized behavior. It shows that the individual is capable of handling complex processes and prioritizing his objectives. Long-term goals look scary at the beginning but with time it has the power to transform your way of thinking. Individuals who set up long-term goals are seen to be more organized in their behavior and actions than people without any goals in their lives.  7. Take advantage of the full potential Setting goals requires proper planning and when a person tries to set long-term goals he has to utilize his full potential. He will have to find out his actual objective and research the best available means to reach the desired goals.  8. Helps in self-improvement One of the important benefits of long-term goals is that it helps in self-improvement. People who set up these goals have to maintain their focus if they want to achieve such goals. Long-term goals shape the direction of the thinking process and encourage people to move toward it diligently. It keeps on reminding you that you have done the hard work and only a little work remains. The scope for self-improvement is immense as you have to improve your habits and move towards the goal somehow or the other to achieve them at any cost.  9. Achieve success Long-term goals give people the time to align the necessary resources with the objectives in an effective manner. It keeps you accountable, ensures better handling, and ultimately increases the chances of success.  INVEST NOW Conclusion The benefits of long-term goals are that it gives individuals the time to get a grasp on things and achieve them at a steady pace. There is no need to overwork yourself instead people have the time to set a comfortable pace that is also achievable. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT