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The US is one of the most expensive countries to pursue further studies. With the rupee falling against the dollar and the annual increase in the tuition fees at US universities, this dream of studying in the USA is slowly slipping away for most Indian students. But not all hope is lost; if you are planning to send your child to the USA for a master's, then here is a list of US scholarships for MS courses your child should apply for!  List of US scholarships for MS courses   Scholarships are a great way to fund your child’s higher education and ease the financial burden on you as a parent. Scholarships are monetary rewards given to students based on their academic performance, financial need, or ethnic background. The reward given by each scholarship varies from university to university and may not be uniform for all awardees. (Some awardees may be eligible for a higher reward than others)  Apply for Scholarship US scholarships for MS course 1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships  Fulbright Nehru Masters Fellowship is for Indian students who wish to study in the USA for their master's. The program offers scholarships to students studying a wide range of courses like Arts and Culture, Economics, Environmental Studies, Higher, Journalism and Mass Communication, Public Administration, Urban, and Regional Planning & Gender Studies at select universities and colleges.   The fellowship is offered for one or two years and provides J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel from a fellow’s home city to the USA, funding for tuition and fees, living costs, and accident and sickness coverage.   2. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships  Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships offers meritorious students full and partial scholarships as interest-free loans to study abroad or in India. Students who have an excellent academic background and want to pursue postgraduation must apply for these loans and interest-free scholarships on the official website. Students can win financial rewards as well as mentor guidance to help them build a unique career.   3. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship  The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships to pursue masters and PhDs to meritorious scholars from developing countries. Scholarships function as 50% grant and 50% loan rewards. Scholarships are awarded for full-term courses and not for short-term courses. The scholarships are a helping hand to those who cannot financially support themselves throughout college.   Students get assistance with tuition fees and living expenses. The scholarships do not cover travel costs while funding for Ph.D. courses is limited to 2 years of study. Since the program covers 50% grants and 50% loans, the interest charged on a 50% scholarship is 5% (less than the average loan interest rate in India).  The payback period is five years and starts six months after the study period. The loan scholarship requires a guarantor to co-sign and provide reassurance.   4. Generation Google Scholarship  Generation Google scholarships is an initiative by the tech company, Google to sponsor students who wish to study in Canada and USA. The scholarships are meant for students who wish to pursue computer science degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students receive around $10,000 (for those studying in the US) or $5,000 CAD (for those studying in Canada) for the year. The scholarship is given on the basis of diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrated leadership, and academic performance.  5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship  The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation scholarship is offered to students to study in North America or Europe. It’s given to students who display exceptional talent in their field of choice. It covers a host of costs like tuition, one-way travel, and living expenses of more than US $100,000. During the interview process, students are required to provide financial proof to cover their course. This is a mandatory requirement for selection.   The list of US scholarships for MS courses for Indian students is one way to finance your child’s US dream. Apply for an Unsecured Loan to Study in USA FAQs Is it easy to get a 100% scholarship in the USA? No, it is not. The USA is a highly competitive study destination and millions of international students apply for similar courses. You must have an exceptional academic record and a brilliant portfolio in your chosen field to bag 100% scholarships for studying in the USA. What are some fully funded scholarships for the USA for Indians? Yes, several scholarships like Inlaks Scholarship and Fulbright Scholarship, are specifically available for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. Is the USA costly to study in? Yes, the USA is considered one of the most expensive countries to study in. In 1980, the price to attend a four-year college full-time was $10,231 annually including tuition, fees, room and board, and adjusted for inflation according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By 2019-20, the total price increased to $28,775. That’s a 180% increase.

We are always prepared for when the markets are correct. As rational investors, we know we should invest more in equity-based investments when the markets are low. But, do you know the right action to take when the markets are at a high? Traditional investor mentality Whenever the markets witness sharp extremes of high or low, investors become cautious about their next move. However, being extra cautious can often reduce the potential of the investments and make the investors take decisions that do not serve their best interests. Traditional investors usually see the market high as the perfect moment to stop their ongoing investments and sell their holdings. They then wait for market corrections to re-invest this money. This can be the right decision for investors who require money at that point in time. But liquidating your assets can create a huge speed breaker in your wealth creation journey. Investment strategies during the market boom 1. Review your portfolio This is the first step before you take any decisions related to your investments during extreme market movements. Do a thorough analysis and review of your portfolio. In this review, make sure you go fund by fund to check the performance. A detailed portfolio review will help you know what has changed in your investments from the time you invested in those market conditions. 2. Rebalance your portfolio The market volatility directly impacts your portfolio's asset allocation. E.g., when you would have begun your investment journey, your portfolio's equity: debt ratio would have been, let's take, 50:50. But when the markets boomed, the equity: debt would have increased to 70:30. This causes over-exposure to equity, which thereby increases the risk component of your portfolio. As an investor, you should periodically rebalance your portfolio or as and when the market demands so that your portfolio still performs optimally and you are way ahead of the market curve. 3. Invest in dynamic asset allocation funds A DAAF follows an intelligent asset allocation strategy depending on the market conditions. It works this way – When the markets are overvalued, this fund cuts down on its equity exposure and increases the debt allocation. In contrast, when the market is undervalued and has the potential to grow, this fund increases its asset allocation towards equity and reduces the debt exposure in its portfolio. Such funds provide the investors with the best of both worlds, that is, equity and debt, and generate steady returns regardless of market movements. This balanced fund investment is best for investors with a low to moderate risk appetite. Additional read: Importance of starting investment early 4. Give importance to value investing Even when the markets hit record highs, some stocks or shares are valued way below what they are worth. Value investing is an investment strategy that invests in stocks that are trading way below their intrinsic value and have a much higher potential for growth in the future. Investing in such stocks or funds providing exposure to such stocks helps the investor gain growth opportunities in their portfolios. 5. Avoid lump sum investments in equities The worst time to make lumpsum investments in equities is when the market is already booming and has a high P/E ratio. This means that the markets are already overvalued, and a correction is coming soon. The market movements follow a wave pattern, where every time the market goes up, it corrects to a certain level. Instead, you could make SIP investments in equities, which captures all market movements and also gives you an additional benefit of rupee cost averaging. 6. Goal-based investing Make a detailed investment plan to efficiently and effectively allocate your income. Make a set of objectives that you want to achieve with your investments. It may include buying a house, purchasing a car, planning an international holiday, or your child’s higher education abroad. When you know what you are investing for, you know what corpus you want to end up with. This helps you make your investment journey as smooth and straightforward as possible. The bottom line is, that when the markets are at a high, do not sell your investments hurriedly and re-invest entirely in the debt market. Also, putting your investments on hold can hurt your long-term goals and objectives. Follow the proper steps into rebalancing and diversifying your portfolio to ensure you are always in a comfortable position regarding your investments. Moreover, short-term volatility is not harmful to long-term investors. Always keep your goals in mind and invest systematically. FAQs What investment strategies are advisable during a market boom? The best strategy is to maintain a diversified portfolio, regularly rebalance your investments, and focus on long-term goals rather than short-term market fluctuations. Is it wise to invest aggressively during a market upswing? While it's tempting, avoid excessive risk. Stick to your risk tolerance, and consider gradual increases in equity exposure rather than abrupt shifts. How can I protect my investments during a market boom? Review and update your asset allocation, set realistic profit-taking goals, and stay informed about market trends to make informed decisions during periods of growth.

Millions of students from all over the world enroll in colleges abroad to broaden their horizons, develop their cross-cultural skills, and sharpen their language abilities. The majority of parents are devoted to paying for their child's overseas education and are ready to make personal sacrifices; this is true not only for primary and secondary school but also for postgraduate study. Even though this attitude is commendable, many parents are unaware of the costs associated with sending their children to an international university in the future. Countless students and their parents struggle to make their study abroad dream a reality due to poor or late planning and a relative lack of knowledge. Here are some financial planning strategies that parents may use to make their children's study abroad experience a little less stressful and a little more productive. With the help of these suggestions, you can assist your child in realizing their dreams while simultaneously preserving your long-term financial security. 1. Include cost forecasting in your plan Tuition is not the only cost of studying abroad. Your initial budget may increase significantly as a result of additional expenses such as student health insurance, academic materials, cost of living (housing, food, transportation), and entertainment. When creating your strategy, be sure to take these costs into account. Planning and budgeting are likely to go more smoothly if you anticipate increased prices and make additional savings as opposed to making smaller savings now in the hopes that they would be sufficient later. Adopting a pessimistic outlook will increase your prospects of building a future capital that is more than the real costs at that point. And the less you have to borrow at interest (like an education loan) when the time comes, the more you may give from your own savings or investments. This would not only reduce your overall debt load but also speed up your repayment process. 2. Consider long-term financial planning Planning is extremely important. As soon as you can, begin making plans for your child's international education. You may need to make certain personal sacrifices as a parent right now, so start looking at your spending patterns and reducing non-essential spending. Set aside money for your child's education, and do it regularly. Additionally, look at other options for saving and investing. Also, explore the places you might want to send your child as part of your financial planning in advance. Highly developed nations like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and others are the most sought-after locations for higher education. The higher cost of living must be taken into account, and you must therefore include these aspects in your plan from the very beginning. 3. Consider inflation & exchange rates The US dollar has been among the strongest currencies in the world for many years, with practically all other currencies slowly losing value against it. You should anticipate that this will continue in the future for your currency as well. Therefore, regardless of when you intend to send your child abroad to study, you must account for inflation in your nation and potential depreciation of your currency in your study abroad budget. EduFund’s College Cost Calculator can help you figure out the average total amount you will require when you send your child to study abroad, factoring in inflation and exchange rates. Longer time frames provide you greater freedom to invest in high-risk assets like equity, which can assist you in the long term to fend off the impacts of inflation and currency rate fluctuations. 4. Find the best investment strategies Even though your child's international trip is years away, simply setting up an education fund with your current regular salary might not be sufficient to cover your child’s future needs. The living costs will probably increase from where it is today in the future. You need to start looking for extra sources of money right away that are separate from your (and your partner's) salary income if you want to lessen the impact of these potentially increased costs. As a result, you should look into medium- and long-term investment opportunities that you may begin making as soon as possible. Recognize your investment capacity and risk tolerance, and make investments accordingly. Our financial advisors can assist you in your search for mutual fund-based Systematic Investment Plans (SIP), education investment, or savings plans specifically designed for education. 5. Consult an expert investment advisor Most people find the process of preparing for an international study abroad to be intimidating. You can still feel completely unprepared with your action plan and strategy even if you start early, set a budget and a costing plan, and examine the many investment possibilities. Talking to a professional may be a good option if you feel stuck. You can explore your possibilities and create a more thorough and practical strategy with the assistance of our investment advisors and study abroad experts. You might even discover new choices that you hadn't previously known about or hadn't considered. Conclusion A study abroad plan for your child can include confusing aspects of financial considerations, but with systematic planning and a practical mindset, you and your child can both benefit in the long run from pursuing this desirable goal. FAQs What is the 50-30-20 rule? The 50-30-20 rule is the best budgeting hack. It means you use 50% of your income for expenses, 30% of your income for luxuries, and 20% for savings and investing. This is a disciplined way of investing and saving for your family's future as parents. What are the 5 tips for budgeting for parents? Create a monthly budget Invest a certain amount every month for future goals like a child's education or a home. Use calculators to set a goal. Use the SIP calculator to know how much to save, use the College Cost Calculator to know the future cost of education with inflation, etc Use new investment techniques like the 50-30-20 rule, the SIP method, or the lumpsum method! Create an emergency fund so your savings are not exhausted in any unfortunate event How to manage investments in 1 lakh salary? You can use the 50-30-20 rule to invest in your family's future. You can invest 20% of your income towards investments and savings like Mutual funds via SIPs or Lumpsum.

What is a mutual fund? A mutual fund is an investment vehicle or a trust wherein investors pool their savings and share a financial goal. The collected money is invested in shares, debentures, and other mutual funds. Do you want to know how mutual funds actually work and what the parties involved in it are? Continue reading to know more. The organizational structure of mutual funds in India? The structure of mutual funds in India has three tiers with few other significant components. Banks or AMCs don't just create these investment vehicles. Three main entities are involved: the Sponsor (creator of the fund), Trustees, and Asset Management Company (AMC). All the mutual funds are regulated by SEBI – Securities Exchange Board of India, and the investors who purchase or invest in these funds are termed "Unitholders". 1. A sponsor Is a person or an entity that has the right to set up a mutual fund scheme to generate returns or income through common fund management. They are for the first part of the mutual funds' structure in India. The Sponsor has to get the mutual fund scheme approved by SEBI first. The Sponsor needs to create a Public Trust under the Indian Trust Act 1882 as they cannot work alone. A Sponsor's role is crucial for a mutual fund and should have high credibility. The eligibility criteria to become a sponsor are The Sponsor must have made a profit in 3 out of the last five years, including the immediately preceding year. The Sponsor must have five years of experience in financial services. The net worth of the Sponsor must be positive for all the preceding five years. Out of the total net worth of the AMC, 40% must be participated in by the Sponsor. 2. Trust and Trustees The Trust and the Trustees form the second central part of the mutual fund structure. Trustees are also the "protectors of the fund" appointed by the Sponsor. The role of the trustees, as the name suggests, is to maintain the investors' trust and work on the fund's growth. According to the SEBI regulations, Trustees are supposed to provide a report on the fund and the functioning of the AMC on a semi-yearly basis. The Trustee is responsible for supervising the entire functioning of the AMC and regulating the mutual funds' operations. Due to the rule of transparency, the AMC cannot float a new mutual fund scheme without the permission and approval of the Trust. The Trustees are required to be registered under SEBI. SEBI further regulates their registration by either suspending or revoking the registration if found breaching any conditions. Additional read: How to choose the best mutual fund scheme? 3. Asset Management Companies (AMC) The AMC is the third part of the mutual fund structure. An AMC is responsible for floating various schemes of mutual funds in the market, keeping in mind the investors' needs and the market's nature. They take help from bankers, brokers, RTAs, auditors, etc., and get into an agreement with them while creating a new scheme. The AMC creates mutual funds, which also oversee its development along with the Trust and the Sponsor. The AMC is responsible to manage funds and provide services to the investor. 4. Custodian A Custodian is an entity responsible for the safekeeping of Securities. They are registered with SEBI and are responsible for transferring and delivering units and securities. They manage the account of investment of the Mutual Fund, wherein investors can also track their investments and update their holdings. Along with safekeeping, custodians also facilitate the collection of corporate benefits such as bonus issues, interest, dividends, etc. 5. Registered Transfer Agents RTAs act as the bridge between Fund Managers and Investors. RTAs are SEBI-registered entities that process mutual fund applications, assist with investor KYC, manage and deliver periodic investment statements or reports, update records of investors, and process investor requests. 6. Other Participants Some other typical participants in the mutual fund structure are bankers, auditors, brokers, mutual fund distributors, etc. Brokers and distributors usually sell mutual fund units to prospective investors. Brokers also provide financial and investment advice after a thorough analysis, study, and prediction of market movements. Auditors are independent internal watchdogs who audit and scrutinize account records and annual reports of various schemes. Bankers play an essential role in collecting agents on behalf of the Fund Managers. Overall, India's mutual fund's structure is very well organized and highly regulated by SEBI. Moreover, the rule of transparency boosts the safeguarding of Investors' money. Nobody in the structure of mutual funds in India can misuse investors' money and utilize it for anything other than what is specified in the investment objective of that fund. FAQs What role does SEBI play in the structure of mutual funds in India? SEBI, or the Securities and Exchange Board of India, regulates, formulates, and supervises mutual fund policies in India to protect investors' interests. What part do AMCs play in mutual fund structure? AMCs, or Asset Management Companies, pool money from various investors and invest them in different securities like bonds, stock, commodities, govt. securities, etc. How do I invest in mutual funds online? You can simply download the EduFund App ➡️ sign up ➡️ explore saving options based on your goal, risk levels, time horizon, etc. ➡️ pick a plan ➡️ start investing. What is a mutual fund? A mutual fund is an investment vehicle or a trust wherein investors pool their savings and share a financial goal. The collected money is invested in shares, debentures, and other mutual funds. What are some ways to invest in a mutual fund? There are two ways to invest in a mutual fund - Lumpsum and SIP. Lumpsum is one-time investment while SIP is a recurring investment strategy where the user pays a set amount every month. Both are effective ways to invest and create wealth for your family's welfare. What is the organizational structure of the mutual fund? The structure of mutual funds in India has three tiers with few other significant components. Banks or AMCs don’t just create these investment vehicles. Three main entities are involved: the Sponsor (creator of the fund), Trustees, and Asset Management Company (AMC). All the mutual funds are regulated by SEBI – Securities Exchange Board of India, and the investors who purchase or invest in these funds are termed “Unitholders”.

Blue Chip stocks are considered the best way for "safer investment instruments" in the equity market. Do you think blue chip stocks are the right investment option for you? Please continue reading to learn more about blue chip stocks and their fit in your portfolio. What are bluechip stocks? Blue chip stocks are shares of a huge company with excellent goodwill and prestige. These companies have a large market capitalization and are well-established, known, and financially sound companies that have been operating for many years. Blue-Chip companies in India have a market capitalization greater than Rs. 50,000cr. These companies have a record of increasing their topline consistently and improving their operating margins on an upward trajectory. Why are they called blue chips? The name blue chip is used in the game of poker, which are the highest value pieces. This symbolizes that blue chip companies are well known and of the highest value in the equity market. Features of bluechip companies stocks Large market capitalization: These stocks trade at a higher price in the markets. Therefore, they form a massive part of the market and hold significant market capitalization. Stable returns: blue chip stocks have very high reliability regarding stable returns. They may not generate greater returns like mid-cap or small-cap stocks but provide steady growth to the investments. Regular Dividend: Dividends are regular payments that investors receive from a company’s revenue. These regular payments can be made by companies that have already grown and matured and do not need to reinvest much into their growth strategies. Dividend payouts do not describe a blue-chip fund. But it is an important characteristic that attracts many investors to these stocks. Part of the market index: blue chip stocks form a significant part of an extensive market index like the Nifty 50. Low risk: These investments are considered safe as the companies are financially sound and have stable performance. Reasons to Invest in bluechip Companies Stocks Diversification: A portfolio should not be concentrated in any particular sector; it should have proper diversification. While investing in stocks like a small cap or mid cap that generate tremendous or abnormal gains, blue chip stocks reduce the overall portfolio volatility and standard deviation, which further helps optimum diversification. Stable income: No matter the market conditions, blue-chip companies pay regular dividends to their shareholders, which is why it is considered a great investment option for passive income. Best for long-term investments: blue-chip stocks are meant for investors with a long-term investment perspective. This is mainly because these stocks undergo slow but steady growth over time. Usually, investors add blue chip stocks to their portfolio for retirement purposes as the growth is guaranteed but slow. Management: Management is the backbone for the growth of any company. The board of management of blue-chip companies comprises industry leaders with significant experience and is considered an expert in their respective industries. Least effort: Blue chip stocks do not experience volatility or fluctuations, unlike other stocks. Therefore, due to the volatile market movements, you don't have to actively manage or track your blue-chip stock investments. Additional read: What are International funds? Things to consider before investing in bluechip companies' stocks Expensive: Blue-chip stocks trade at very high price levels in the market. They are already well-established stocks. It is challenging to find a blue-chip stock with a low P/E ratio. This can be expensive to invest in for small investors. Low returns: Blue-chip companies have been operating for an extended period of time. They have reached their maximum growth potential. They do not have exponential growth in their share price in the short-term horizon. Slow Growth: Blue-chip stocks do not grow as fast as small-cap or mid-cap stocks. Sometimes, they even generate returns less compared to the benchmark. Due to this, investors need more patience and a longer time horizon while investing in blue-chip stocks. List of top bluechip companies' stocks Some trendy names of blue-chip companies present in every household in India are: - Reliance Industries Ltd. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. Avenue Supermarts Ltd. (DMart) Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Asian Paints Ltd. Nestle India Ltd. Additional read: What are offshore funds? How to identify bluechip companies' stocks?  There are some parameters that help you identify blue-chip companies. You’ll have to check -  The price-to-earnings ratio (PE) and market capitalization  If, over a period of time, a company has consistent annual revenue   If the debt-to-equity ratio of a company is stable with a sustainable interest coverage ratio, return on equity (RoE), and superior cash flows.   If the company has a clear vision for the future and a consistent growth trajectory  If the company has a significant competitive advantage over its contemporaries  If the company has the potential to outperform the competitors in their markets  If the company has good corporate governance and management setup. Who should invest in blue chip companies' stocks? Blue chip stocks are the best learning way for beginners to start their investment journey. This is the best investment option for investors who do not want to take risky bets but still want their investments to generate good returns. The ideal time horizon to invest in blue-chip stocks is 5-7 years to see the investment grow. This investment is best for investors wanting a passive investment option with limited risk exposure. An alternative When building a portfolio, investing in stocks takes time and research. A cheaper alternative to this is an Index Fund. An Index fund is a basket of securities containing all the stocks in the Index in the same proportion as the Index. It helps you invest in a bunch of securities at once without direct exposure to it. This also saves time and offers optimal diversification to the entire portfolio. FAQs What is a blue chip stock? Blue Chip stocks are considered the best way for “safer investment instruments” in the equity market. Blue-chip companies in India have a market capitalization greater than Rs. 50,000cr. These companies have a record of increasing their topline consistently and improving their operating margins on an upward trajectory. What are some examples of blue chip company stocks in India? Some trendy names of blue-chip companies present in every household in India are: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. Avenue Supermarts Ltd. (DMart) Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Asian Paints Ltd. Nestle India Ltd. Things to consider before investing in bluechip companies’ stocks Expensive: Blue-chip stocks trade at very high price levels in the market. They are already well-established stocks. It is challenging to find a blue-chip stock with a low P/E ratio. This can be expensive to invest in for small investors. Low returns: Blue-chip companies have been operating for an extended period of time. They have reached their maximum growth potential. They do not have exponential growth in their share price in the short-term horizon. Slow Growth: Blue-chip stocks do not grow as fast as small-cap or mid-cap stocks. Sometimes, they even generate returns less compared to the benchmark. Due to this, investors need more patience and a longer time horizon while investing in blue-chip stocks.

The simplest and straightforward answer to that question would be that offshore Funds are open-ended investment schemes that invest in mutual funds, stocks, real estate assets, equities, fixed-income securities, etc. in the overseas market.  Understanding Offshore funds Offshore funds are often referred to as international funds or foreign funds as they are based on offshore locations and have non-residents as investors. These types of funds provide investment exposure to global markets but they have to comply with the rules and regulations of that country. In India, both Indian residents and NRIs can invest in offshore funds either directly or through other funds under the purview of SEBI and RBI guidelines. The fund house has to comply with the set provisions and guidelines of the foreign country where they are registered. The Indian resident can invest only in Indian currency just like any other investment scheme.  You can: Select the offshore fund, Write a cheque for the amount due, Submit the cheque along with the application form to the fund house or online app you are applying through. Types of Offshore Funds “What are offshore funds?” is one of the most common queries of investors. In simple terms, it refers to investments that exist and operate abroad.  The different types of offshore fund schemes are -  Theme-based (real estate, power, energy, agriculture, etc.)  Region-specific (Asia, Europe, etc.), and  Country-specific funds (USA, India, UK, Australia etc.). Additional read: What are international funds? Advantages of Investing in Offshore Funds Investors can diversify their funds across geographical boundaries and choose the best available location for investing purposes. It is a golden opportunity to invest in global brands and business houses. The exchange rate difference will yield higher returns. Sometimes, the home economy is not so great but another country might be facing an economic boom. Investing in offshore funds will garner higher returns on investments at such times. Offshore funds are globally incorporated with lower regulation levels. As the income is tax-free it is profitable to reinvest the investment gains.  The operating costs and management fees associated with offshore funds are comparatively lower and financially beneficial. Offshore funds can safeguard the capital from the burden of high taxes in the home country Disadvantages of Investing in Offshore Funds Offshore funds require higher investments, which every investor cannot afford. If the offshore currency is facing a downward trend then it will lead to lower returns. The risk factor associated is greater compared to domestic investments. Investors have to trust the foreign fund houses to explain the terms and conditions. In case of any discrepancy or fraud, it can result in a loss of capital. Tax laws, economic policies, and market fluctuations of both the home country and the foreign country will harm the returns. Things to consider before investing in Offshore funds Research the economic and political conditions of the foreign country where you want to invest. Start with a small investment and gradually increase the investment.  Opt for financially stable investment funds at the onset. Check the fund's reputation, the background of the fund house, and historical returns thoroughly. Choose funds that will help to cash in global opportunities. Consider the currency risk while dealing with international funds. Any currency fluctuation will impact the Net Asset Value of the fund directly because if the value of the rupee depreciates against the dollar NAV will be higher and in case it appreciates earnings will become less. Invest in developed and emerging markets only. Choose long-term investment as it is considered best for minimizing the impact of inflation. Foreign funds are treated under debt thus taxes are levied as per the tax rules in the home country. In India, residents have to pay tax on overall income even if it was generated in a foreign country.  Invest in funds with utmost security and transparency in the transaction process. Challenges associated with Offshore funds in India The RBI and SEBI guidelines do not allow fund managers based in India to manage offshore funds. The investment inflows to India are now managed by offshore authorities and this poses a serious challenge to the growth of offshore funds in India. According to new guidelines REITs and AIFs are allowed to receive investments from foreign investors.  Conclusion By now the concept of what are offshore funds will be clear and you must have realized that these funds follow a different path in terms of rules and regulations compared to the standard investment journey.  It is imperative to sound a word of caution for investors of offshore funds as these are prone to fraud and high risk quite often because of relaxed regulations. Beware and take the help of reputed platforms like EduFund App which will act as a guiding tool in securing safe transactions in overseas markets. FAQs What are offshore funds? Offshore funds are open-ended investment schemes that invest in overseas markets, including mutual funds, stocks, real estate, equities, and fixed-income securities. Who can invest in offshore funds in India? Indian residents and NRIs can invest in offshore funds, complying with SEBI and RBI guidelines. Investments are made in Indian currency. What are the advantages of investing in offshore funds? Benefits include global diversification, investing in global brands, potential for higher returns, tax advantages, and lower operating costs. What are the disadvantages of investing in offshore funds? Disadvantages include higher initial investments, currency risk, increased risk compared to domestic investments, reliance on foreign fund houses, and exposure to changing tax laws and market fluctuations. What should investors consider before investing in offshore funds? Factors to consider include economic and political conditions of the foreign country, starting with small investments, choosing reputable funds, understanding currency risk, and ensuring transparency in transactions. TALK TO AN EXPERT

People often consider grants and scholarships as synonyms because both provide financial aid. They help students to pursue their studies without the hassle of paying fees.   But there is a thin line that distinguishes grants and scholarships. A scholarship is only awarded to students, whereas grants are given to students, professionals, or research scientists. Both scholarships and grants are not student loans and do not have to be paid back in ordinary circumstances. Instead, these are financial help that encourages people to reduce debt, minimize work problems, promote research, and realize their dreams without any financial burden. Although both come under monetary help and are equally popular, it becomes crucial to have in-depth knowledge about them.  Grants vs Scholarships A grant is a financial award from a government, foundation, or company to another company or an individual for a specific goal or to encourage better performance. Scholarships are also defined as financial awards, but an organization offers government or a college/university only to students to pay for their degree courses as tuition and related fees. Need vs Merit Grants are need-based as they are awarded to deserving people who do not have the funds to fulfill their purpose. Scholarships are merit-based and need-based and go to students who cannot continue their studies because they lack adequate funds and have shown exceptional excellence or outstanding performance in their fields. 1. Purpose The purpose of grants and scholarships is different as the former is to fulfill a specific purpose which can be educational, research, or even to start a business. In contrast, the latter is meant only for educational purposes and is given to students who excel in sports, academics, or extracurricular activities. 2. Recipients  The grants and scholarships differ from each other as grants can be conferred to any individual, entity, non-profit organization, educational institution, or organization working towards a specific purpose. Scholarships are given only to students for excellence in their academic, athletic, or artistic abilities. 3. Source of funding The source of funding for grants and scholarships is both similar and different. Grants funding can be derived from non-profit organizations, colleges, and state governments. Scholarship funding is derived from various organizations and institutions. 4. Performance Grants and scholarships share a level of similarity. They require their recipients to live up to a certain standard, but the level of performance may vary. Grants are not purely based on performance, while scholarships depend on performance. Most scholarships may be withdrawn if students fail to keep up their academic performance. Depending on the type of scholarship, every student must participate and maintain a level of excellence.   5. Eligibility  Grant eligibility is based on financial need, whereas scholarship is flexible. It can be need-based, merit-based, or given to a specific community. Eligibility for a grant like the Federal Pell Grant is based on EFC, whereas the New York TAP Grants and Cal Grants establish their eligibility on income cutoff. The eligibility for scholarships is dependent upon a student’s GPA or high school grade point average, class rank, and test scores from the admission tests. Requirements and Restrictions The specific requirements and restrictions between scholarships and grants vary greatly as eligibility to receive grants ranges from one grant program to another. Some scholarships have maintenance and eligibility requirements and conditions similar to the grants, whereas others might require maintaining a minimum GPA to renew their scholarships. Both grants and scholarships are good options for people requiring financial assistance. If your child is going to pursue research-driven courses like a Ph., then grants can be beneficial, while for a master's, they can opt for scholarships. Start preparing your child for their dreams, financially and academically!  FAQs What is the main difference between grants and scholarships? Grants are awarded to individuals, entities, or organizations for specific purposes, while scholarships are typically given to students for educational expenses. What is the primary purpose of grants? Grants serve various purposes, including educational, research, or business-related goals, whereas scholarships are primarily for educational purposes. How are grants and scholarships funded? Grants can be funded by non-profit organizations, colleges, and state governments, while scholarships receive funding from various organizations and institutions. What is the eligibility criterion for grants? Grant eligibility is often based on financial need, whereas scholarships can be need-based, merit-based, or specific to certain communities. What are the performance requirements for scholarships and grants? Scholarships typically require students to meet performance standards, while grants may have performance expectations but are not solely based on performance. TALK TO AN EXPERT

The mutual fund industry has seen immense growth in recent years. According to numerous statistics, there has been a 5 ½ fold increase in the last ten years. This is simply because seasoned investors have realized the potential of mutual funds and have now started investing in them through SIP or Systematic Investment Plans. The vast universe of mutual funds often seems daunting to new investors because of the large investment horizon and involved risk profile. As such an investor needs to know whether he is investing in the right mutual fund or not and whether the investments can meet his set targets and achieve desired goals. There are normally two ways to go assuming you are interested in investing in the best mutual funds. The first is by yourself and the second is through a financial advisor.  An all-important question at such times is whether an investor has the required know-how to conduct a proper mutual fund analysis and determine whether he is on the right path.  For that, you can take the help of a reputed financial advisor or financial expert. This service is available on the EduFund app where both new and seasoned investors can opt for the services of the SEBI registered investment advisors and experts in investment management for investing in the right fund. The app also helps to stay updated on the mutual fund investment market. Start Investing in Mutual Funds Parameters that help to analyze whether you are investing in the right mutual fund 1. Expense ratio The expense ratio is charged annually by the mutual fund for managing the investor’s money as a percentage of total assets. The expense ratio at the end of the day will reduce the available returns hence the investor must look for mutual funds that have a low expense ratio. Minimize the expense ratio by opting for direct mutual funds as it does not charge broker commission or intermediary fees. Also, compare the expense ratios of preferred mutual funds as it will help to decide whether the investment is the right one or not.  Download App and Start Investing 2. Performance of mutual fund against a set benchmark Each mutual fund scheme has a set benchmark that it tries to outperform. The investor must check for the benchmark to understand the percentage return that is considered a good performance. Compare both benchmark and actual performance to identify whether you have been investing in the right mutual fund. If a mutual fund consistently generates more returns and outperforms the benchmark index then the investor can know that he is doing right by his investment portfolio. SIP Plans for Child Education Read More 3. Level of risk Mutual funds are subject to risk and checking the level of the risk factor for every scheme is as important as checking for the expected returns. The risk is often defined in terms like low, high, moderate, moderately high, and moderately low.  Generally, the schemes disclose the level of risk to make the investor aware of the involved risk factor. Investors must ensure that the higher the risk higher is the return on the investment commensurate with the risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlrsx9_yog 4. Fund’s history Look at the fund’s history to know whether you are investing in the right mutual fund. Knowing about the long-term previous performance of mutual funds is the right step in determining whether the fund has generated good returns over the last few years.  If the fund has seen one or two down cycles over the last five years and has regrouped once again to give solid returns then investors must believe that their investment is at par. Calculate Returns Generated 5. Portfolio turnover ratio The higher the Portfolio Turnover Ratio, the higher the buying and selling of the assets. This leads to higher transaction charges or brokerage fees. The portfolio turnover ratio helps to minimize the net returns from the investment. Investors must calculate the net return and compare funds so that they can know whether their investments are on the right path. 6. Fund manager The mutual fund manager can help in carrying out the necessary due diligence that will boost the chance of better gains. The investor must look at the performance history of the manager to know about his experience in handling mutual fund schemes.  A good reputation of the fund manager increases the investor’s confidence in the related schemes and helps him to know he is investing in the right funds. Conclusion An investor can determine whether he is investing in the right mutual fund if he can achieve higher returns at comparatively less risk. Selecting the right fund might seem a daunting task at the onset but a little research and understanding go a long way in finding the best mutual fund investments. FAQs How do I know which mutual fund is best for me? To determine the best mutual fund for you, consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial situation. Research fund performance, categories, and managers' expertise. Consulting a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance based on your needs and preferences. What type of mutual fund should I invest in? The type of mutual fund you should invest in depends on your goals and risk tolerance. Equity funds offer growth potential but involve higher risk, while debt funds focus on stability. Hybrid funds combine both. Consider your needs and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice. How do you know whether you should invest in a mutual fund? Evaluate your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Research the fund's performance, expenses, and manager's expertise.

Both life and wallet will never be the same once you decide to have a baby. No event in your life will signify financial change quite the way this one does, from the first prenatal appointment to the day of college graduation (and beyond). 5 financial things to consider before child planning 1. Create a budget Before you start child planning, you need to have a budget in place. You and your partner may need to create a realistic budget based on your expenses and your streams of income. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, you will be able to tackle the costs easily. A new child is a new family member that needs space! So if you need extra space once the baby is born, figure out what kind of home you can afford, whether it's a slightly larger apartment, a warm cottage, or a pricey house. Will you want the latest baby things or your sister’s passed-on ones? Think about what sort of child care would you require and get candid with your expenses before you start making any purchases. Money Management Tips for Homemakers Read More 2. Costs associated with birth As new parents, you need prenatal vitamins, alternative therapies, labor and delivery alternatives, and screening tests. Give yourself enough time to change or upgrade insurance plans should you need more comprehensive coverage. Good health insurance is vital in this economy. Hospital bills, medical fees, and maternity costs can be high. According to estimates from the industry, a straightforward delivery could cost between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000, but a private specialty hospital could charge up to Rs 2-3 lakh. A cesarean delivery could result in a cost rise of up to Rs 4-5 lakh. Before having a kid, you should make financial arrangements for the costs associated with the delivery and child care. 3. Consider maternity leave The vast majority of Indian employees are not entitled to paid family leave. If the mother is employed, you might need to think about taking a lengthier (unpaid) maternity leave or a sabbatical for a year or two. This can be a huge financial loss for families that rely on both streams of income. Paid parental leave is not always an option. Find out if your workplace offers paid leave for new parents and if there are any policies in your favor that you can utilize. Determine the number of weeks covered and the proportion of your salary that is used. Do you have to use your sick and vacation days first? If you don't have access to paid time off or you're going to take more unpaid time off, you might want to cut costs or rely on your savings. 4. Purchase life and health insurance You'll want your child to be stable financially if something were to happen to you or your partner. A life insurance policy can assist in paying for things like child care, housekeeping, cooking, and more. Purchasing maternity insurance is the first action you can take to cover maternity costs. When purchasing health insurance, (even for a couple), it is important to confirm that the policy includes coverage for maternity costs and, if applicable, any applicable waiting periods. Additionally, by paying a larger rate, you might add pregnancy coverage to a current insurance policy. Buying health insurance is most important when considering having a child. Get your health covered in your plan so that you are not financially burdened in case of a health emergency. 5. Plan for the child’s education Just like the prices of lemons and oranges are growing, the cost of education is skyrocketing. Saving for your child’s college is a necessity. When it comes to saving money for college, time and compound interest are your best friends. Even while inflation is an unavoidable fact, keep in mind that education inflation is far higher. Utilizing the force of compounding is one approach to combat this, but it will only be effective if you have a long-term strategy in place. You indeed have no idea what career path your child will take, but you still need to put aside a portion of capital that can be utilized when the time comes. Right now, you need to think about the type of education you would like to offer because the practical costs of studying engineering in India vs. the US would be very different. From giving birth to seeing them off to college, watching your child grow and thrive is every parent’s dream! So give those dreams wings by planning ahead and investing for their bright future!  TALK TO AN EXPERT

There are many roadblocks to investing as a woman – unequal pay, lack of financial knowledge, lack of personal finance help, the burden of the pink tax, feelings of intimidation and confusion, etc.   But the winds are changing, and more and more women are taking charge of investing their money in personal goals, family, and their child’s education.   The conversation about money, wealth generation and the need to start investing early is finally brewing – let’s see how women can start their investment journey.  Why should women start investing?  Investments are the key to a brighter and financially independent future – whether it's early retirement or financing your child’s Oxford education in 10 years. Investment can help you attain these goals.   In India, the percentage of women investors is very low. According to Financial Express, only 14% of women are investing in mutual funds and 10% in stocks.  Women in India make the mistake of only investing in Gold or Fixed Deposits. The rationale that these investments are safe and secure prevents them from taking risks and aiming for wealth generation.   With the inflation soaring high, women investors who are earning can start investing as low as Rs. 100 every month. This small amount can benefit from the power of compounding and help them save for different goals like a holiday, a degree, a car, or an emergency fund!  Homemakers who have saved up some money can also invest! Starting an SIP for a mutual fund can help you save for different financial needs and get a greater interest rate than any savings account or FD investment. This can go towards their child’s education or a home. The great thing about starting a SIP is that you can pause as well as increase the base sum based on your income and savings! Create Goals before Investing Source: pexels When should women start investing?  ‘Right now,’- is the best time to start. Whether you are 18 or 40, investing can start at any time. Starting early does have its set of benefits but that should not stop you from saving right now. Most young investors enter the market in their 20s and 30s.    If you are new to investing, consult a financial advisor. Talk money with your accountant and understand what are your future goals and what is the best route to achieving them. They can help you invest in a bunch of tools that will not any diversify your wealth generation but also make it less risk-prone.   Consult an expert advisr before investing What kind of investments work better for women and why?  Investments are not gendered; anyone can invest in any investment tool. What matters is your risk profile, investment capacity, and goals. Here are some investments that women can explore:  1. Mutual funds   Mutual funds are a great way to start investing. You can simply begin with a SIP in your favorite fund. This allows you to invest a certain amount of savings every month, this amount is auto-debited from your account every month without the stress of manually investing the sum. Mutual funds are easier to manage than stocks because there is a fund manager to help protect your savings and investments.  2. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)  An ETF is primarily a basket of assets and securities such as equity, debt, stocks, bonds, commodities, or currencies. You can purchase a unit of these securities, just like buying shares of a company. ETFs are like a cross between stocks and mutual funds, they are traded on the stock exchange and offer the diversification benefits of mutual funds.  3. Stocks  Stocks, known as equities, allow you to own a part of a company. There are shares for TATA, Reliance, Unilever, Nykaa, and thousands more available for investors to pool their money in. You can pick the company you believe will grow in the years to come. Buying stocks is more volatile and riskier in nature. The decision to buy and sell resides with you.     4. US Market  Investing in US Markets is possible for every investor and a great way to add geographical diversification to your portfolio. There are two ways to invest in US markets direct stocks or ETFs. This is an opportunity to make the most of the falling rupee and gain returns in dollars. US markets allow you to do rupee hedging; which means you will have more funds by allocating the same amount of money in dollars than in rupee because of the greater value of US dollars.   If you want to make wise investments then get in touch with a professional financial advisor. They can help you understand the value of choosing investments based on your goals, and risk appetite as well as how to shift your funds from one basket to another when the market fluctuates!   Invest in US Market 5. Investment mistakes to avoid   The biggest mistake a woman can make is not investing! Many women in India shy away from the market because of the fear of risk or knowledge. This decision can be detrimental in the long run and will be a huge hindrance in the face of wealth generation!   6. Fearing loss and not taking risks  Many women and men hurt their chances of wealth generation by playing it safe. They are too cautious and do not allocate enough funds to different assets and lose out on the money they could have accumulated over the years. Thus, don’t be averse to taking risks especially if you have time on your hands.    7. Allowing your partner to make an investment decision  Indian women rely on their partners to make investment decisions for them. To be truly independent, you have to manage your own wealth generation and investment portfolio. Try to be aware of the investments you make and whether they will help you achieve your goals in the future.  8. Putting their money in only physical gold   Gold is a great investment but it should not be your only investment. Indian women spend lakhs of rupees buying gold jewelry as a form of investment but they forget that there are maker charges, storage issues as well as the possibility of loss when reselling the items. Instead, if you are a gold-lover then look at Digital Gold, Gold ETFs, or Bonds to invest. It’s important to only keep some portion of your portfolio dedicated to gold.   9. Keeping cash in savings accounts or fixed deposits  Saving money in accounts or fixed deposits beyond a limit is counterproductive. Banks do not offer a great interest rate, which means your money is losing value against the rate of inflation in the country. Try keeping some money in the bank while a majority in growth-oriented investments like MFs, PPFs, ETFs, Bonds, etc.   Women in India are gradually catching up! With thousands of investment options, young women and men find it hard to remain neutral on the benefits and risks of investments. The only way to make money is to invest money. Investing can not only secure your future, but it can enable you. Enable you to send your child to the best schools or enable you to take that Europe trip. Big or small, investing can help you actualize your dreams faster than any form of wealth creation tool. FAQs Why should women start investing? Investments empower financial independence. In India, only 14% of women invest in mutual funds and 10% in stocks. Diversify from traditional investments to grow wealth. What investment mistakes to avoid? Avoid not investing out of fear. Don't rely solely on partners' decisions. Diversify beyond gold, move beyond savings accounts, and understand that caution can hinder growth. When should women start investing? Start now, regardless of age. Consult financial advisors for personalized plans aligning with goals. Begin with SIPs, mutual funds, and equities, and explore US markets. What investments work better for women? Investments aren't gender-specific. Consider mutual funds for steady growth, ETFs for diversification, stocks for ownership, and US markets for currency gains.

Getting a loan for higher studies comes with a set of challenges and requirements. Whether your child is planning to pursue higher education in India from a premium institute or pursue international studies overseas, you are looking at spending anywhere from Rs. 15 – 20 lakhs in India to almost Rs. 70-80 lakhs overseas.   Recent reports released by the Ministry of External Affairs reveal that over 1.1 million Indian students are currently studying abroad as of 2021. Industry experts estimate this number will rise to around 1.8 million for higher education overseas in 2024. This would approximate a student spend of USD 80 million per year.   With so many students traveling overseas and spending such large sums of money, the business of funding students for overseas education has been growing rapidly in recent years. Parents often find it easier to avail of education loans overseas than to fund their children’s education in premium institutes here in India. Let us look at a few reasons for this:  Source: pexels 1. International universities are keen to have Indian students As the monies involved are considerably large, international universities take a huge interest in having Indian students come to their campus. With this in mind, several universities tie up with lenders and offer a host of flexible options (scholarships, grants, or financial aid) to make it easier for students to avail of education loans.   2. Sheer numbers mean more interested lenders Given the pace at which the number of Indian students traveling abroad for studies is growing, the industry has become immensely profitable. This has encouraged many private players to enter the education loans markets, with some interesting products.   This gives parents a choice beyond the Indian Public Sector banks that are fairly rigid when it comes to the reputation of the institute, collateral, payback terms, etc. Many students who are rejected for loans by public sector banks, approach these private lenders and obtain the loans they need to pursue their dream careers.   3. Parents can opt for international lenders Apart from banks and NBFCs in India, if your child plans to take up higher studies abroad, you can look at approaching international lenders. Their rules are different for eligibility and necessary collaterals, etc. Making it easier for Indian parents to access the funds.   4. International universities help students avail of loans from lenders in their own countries  This works as a blessing for the parents. If the student is unable to organize funds from India, some universities can put applicants in touch with lenders in their own country. The only hitch here is that the loan is in foreign currency, and is subject to international currency fluctuations.   5. Need and merit-based scholarships Several scholarships are available for Indian students planning to study abroad. Parents must start checking out the eligibility for these scholarships well in advance.  Things to keep in mind when a child is applying for financial support for higher studies  Choose a reputed university: While Tier II or III universities in low-cost countries may work out cheaper, you will find it difficult to get loan sanctions for such universities. Most public sector banks offer loans only for select international institutions, which are among the leading names in the country.   Manage to raise some funds from your own kitty: If you can manage to put in about 40 – 50% of the total corpus required, it stands you in good stead with several international lenders. They see this as a sign of surety and timely payback in the future, towards their own loans. Further, having your corpus will mean a smaller loan and a shorter payback time.   Maintain a good credit score: This is an important aspect of loan sanctions for international studies. While in India, the awareness around personal credit scores is still low, international lenders put a lot of weightage on credit scores. Your loan approvals and amounts sanctioned are determined by your credit rating in the financials market.   Keep your documents updated: All lenders will take into consideration the previous year’s financial statements, tax statements, and so on. Parents planning to take education loans must keep these papers ready for perusal at all times and must maintain good financial health to be eligible for loans. All in all, it is easier to avail of education loans for international studies than to get one for courses in India, as the number of lenders is less for Indian education loans. make sure you plan well and start building your corpus early on.   Keeping your loan to a minimum will ensure your child is not burdened with repayment as soon as college is over. That is no way to start living life as an adult! Talk To An Expert FAQs Is it easier to fund international studies? Yes, due to large student numbers and university collaboration, international education loans are often more accessible than loans for premium Indian institutes. Why do international universities assist with loans? International universities value Indian students and partner with lenders to offer flexible funding options like scholarships and financial aid. Can parents approach international lenders? Yes, international lenders provide diverse eligibility and collateral requirements, making funding more accessible for Indian parents. How to minimize the loan burden for students? Starting with a strong corpus, maintaining financial health, and keeping the loan amount minimal ensures students aren't burdened with repayment immediately after college.

Raising the next generation as homemaker requires a lot of sacrifices. Depending on a single income could be challenging and requires proper budgeting and planning.  Managing finances is as important as earning them. If you don't know how to manage it, then you'll not be able to grow your wealth. Saving from income is one part, and investing is another. Just saving will not help you to grow until you invest in the right asset class. Start Investing in Mutual Funds for Child Education Money management tips for Homemakers 1. Have an emergency fund The first thing is to have an emergency cover ready which is your emergency fund. In life, we can face a lot of uncertainty, from medical illness to job loss of the bread earner in the family and many more. It is better to have an emergency corpus ready to cover your expenses for six months. So, your savings won't be affected in an emergency situation; they will remain untouched. 2. Buy life and health insurance Many people make this mistake; they don't buy life and medical insurance. But it is one of the biggest mistakes they make while managing finances. Medical insurance will help you when you need medical treatment for your illness. Because when you become ill or require some surgery, then medical insurance will help you to bear those expenses. At the time of surgery, you may not have the budget to afford those expenses, so it is better to buy one. Create Goal as per Home Requirements 3. Plan a monthly budget Write down all your monthly expense on various items like expenses on daal, flour, oil, vegetables, and so on. Identify the minimum budget for all the necessary items. For example, if you have made a budget of Rs.3,000 for vegetables but have only spent Rs.2,000, save those Rs.1,000 and allocate them towards your savings target. Try to do it every month at the beginning of the month. This way, you can plan and save every month. Source: pexels 4. Try to save Try to save from wherever you can. First, fulfill your necessity and then luxury. Try to avoid buying luxury items. If you can't avoid them, then buy them at last. Or you can also identify whether those are needed or not by postponing them. Suppose you go shopping every month, then try doing it once every two months.  Money Management Tips for Kids Read More 5. Invest your savings With time, the currency is getting depreciated. The amount that you are saving every month is getting depreciated over time. So, you need to invest your savings as per your risk appetite to beat inflation, and even in the long term, you can create wealth. For example, you go and buy 1 kg daal for Rs.100, but after a few years, that same daal might cost you Rs.150. If you don't invest your savings, you'll probably lose the value of your savings. Download App and Start Saving 6. Have supplemental income streams Augmenting your earnings with a secondary income stream can play a pivotal role in achieving financial independence. By harnessing your individual talents and expertise, you can establish a supplementary revenue source. Opportunities abound for individuals, irrespective of their skillset, to generate additional income. Your unique skillset can be an invaluable asset in establishing a supplementary income source. Whether you possess specific expertise or not, there is a spectrum of opportunities available to you for augmenting your earnings. Conclusion: Financial literacy is critical irrespective of the role you play in your life. Homemakers could quickly learn and improve money management skills as it is done in everyday life. Homemakers could save for their family’s future along with managing the present. Channelizing your savings into the right asset class is very important FAQs Why is having an emergency fund essential for homemakers? Having an emergency fund is crucial to cover expenses during unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or job loss, without affecting your savings. Why should homemakers buy life and health insurance? Insurance safeguards against medical expenses and provides financial support during illnesses or surgeries when budget constraints could be an issue. How can I save more effectively as a homemaker? Prioritize necessities over luxuries, delay non-essential purchases, and reduce the frequency of discretionary spending like shopping, saving more in the process.

IDCW in mutual fund means Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal. It is a dividend option in the market of mutual funds, and one can term it IDCW Mutual Fund.  The change in the name introduced by (the Securities and Exchange Board of India) SEBI became operational in April 2021. Irrespective of the name change, the role of the dividends is the same. As per SEBI regulations, the investors must know that they can use and distribute the income capital as dividends.  Why did SEBI change the dividend name to IDCW?  The term means the distribution of income of a mutual fund scheme. It includes dividends paid by stocks and capital gains made by selling stocks from the scheme portfolio. The name change happened to highlight that the income is coming out of the depositor’s income value, which means the withdrawal of capital.  The term IDCW accurately represents mutual fund dividends and will remove any misunderstanding about mutual fund dividends for the investors as per SEBI.   The highlights of IDCW in mutual funds   The IDCW is mainly selected by investors who want to access a periodic inflow of funds. Note that the IDCW happens at the discretion of the fund manager. There is no specific assurance that it will be declared at periodic intervals.  Investing in an IDCW mutual fund is a great alternative to conventional investment instruments like fixed deposits or savings schemes. Senior citizens and investors who want to access low-risk returns can always consider IDCW mutual funds to brighten their investment portfolios.   Things to consider about IDCW in mutual fund There are many misconceptions floating around this field. Here are some facts that would help you break out of those misconceptions and plan better.   Mutual fund scheme dividends may include the ones received from underlying stocks in the portfolio and profits books by selling those stocks.  The dividends are not an extra income over the redemption profits you’ve made. The dividends, instead, are capital appreciation, which is ultimately paid from your capital. Therefore, the dividend scheme’s Net Asset Value (NAV) falls to the extent of dividends paid to you.  In the case of the growth option, the profits are reflected in the NAV and reinvested in the scheme.  At the discretion of the AMC or fund manager, a portion of the profit gets distributed to the investors in IDCW. However, it must be noted that this is not mandatory for an AMC under the dividend option. Tax benefits associated with IDCW in mutual funds   If you are a short-term investor, opting for IDCW in mutual funds is a viable option. That’s why an IDCW in a mutual fund is more appealing to conservative investors. However one cannot deny the importance of the tax benefits of IDCW in mutual funds.   Since the payout of IDCW in mutual funds is regular, whatever payout you receive is included in the income of the investor. And as IDCW offers an investor the promise of regular cash flow, you can always opt for such a mutual funds scheme. Note that the payout frequency of the IDCW is solely dependent on the fund manager.   IDCW pays out from the surplus investment accumulated. Income received by the investor as IDCW is added to the gross taxable income. Moreover, it is taxed based on the income tax slab rate of the investor.  Being a dividend distribution plan, dividends in IDCW exude practicality to the investors. Usually, retired investors want regular income from their portfolios. In that case, opting for IDCW in mutual funds is an excellent idea. Here are some noteworthy points of IDCW funds you should be aware of.   Based on SEBI, the dividends can only be paid from the profits earned by the respective mutual fund.   The payout rates of dividends may vary based on the payout cycle   Dividends paid on both debt and equity mutual funds can be taxed as per the investor’s tax slab.   Investment experts recommend the IDCW option when the market trajectory is moving upwards. During this time, the net asset values of funds rose consistently. Moreover, there is a greater likelihood of a fund declaring great dividends.   Where should investors invest? IDCW or Growth  Considering the in-growth option, the profits made by the scheme remain in the scheme investment. For long-term investment, the investor will profit for a long time. It is also known as compounding and will have a prominent role in wealth creation for investors.   IDCW in a mutual fund is something where the profits will improve the scheme, and the investor will get the best distribution with full or partial discretion of the fund manager with AMC. In this option, you will lose the compounding advantages the investors receive periodically. If the investor wishes to have a daily cash flow of the investment, then IDCW will be your best option.   Who should opt for the IDCW in mutual funds? IDCW in mutual funds is best suited for -  Investors looking for a regular income through their investments. Investors with low-risk tolerance levels.  Those looking for dividends during the bare market phase. Conclusion  Your choice of investment depends entirely on your financial goals. Moreover, you should also consider your investment horizon and tax situation to choose the best mutual fund. To be precise, IDCW mutual funds are suitable for those who want to have access to periodic payouts. Investing in mutual funds is a viable way to accumulate money for bigger purposes in life. If you want an investment portfolio with minimum risks, opting for IDCW is a better alternative.  FAQs Is IDCW income subject to tax? Yes, the IDCW income is added to your taxable income. It is subject to normal tax-slab rates. And if the dividend exceeds INR 5,000, there's also TDS on IDCW. What does IDCW stand for? IDCW stands for 'Income Distribution Cum Capital Withdrawal’. Can we change from IDCW to growth? Yes, you can. But it must be noted that depending on how long you had invested, the switch will attract capital gains and exit load.