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Considering our patriarchal society, it was always believed that finances are best left to the men of our families. There is always a persistent gender gap between men and women regarding financial authority.   However, women are not free from stereotypes. One of the most apparent stereotypes against women is finances and numbers. Let's bust the top 6 stereotypes about women and finances in this article! Women’s terrible relationship with money  Women are always believed to be big spenders when it comes to money. But it's high time to accept that women are rational spenders. In the older generations, when the "man of the family" used to be the breadwinner for the family, it was the woman (wife/mother) who used to save money on a daily and monthly basis. We have grandmothers and mothers who still save every rupee inside their sarees in their wardrobes for emergencies.  Women cannot be financial leaders  Women are known to be the best financial managers. One thing that always helps them stay morally intact is their fear of wrongdoing by anyone. Today, we can see Nirmala Seetharaman as the Finance Minister of India, who has drawn up excellent plans to promote the country's economic growth and the welfare of society. Arundhati Bhattacharya was the Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI) and the youngest and first-ever woman to lead SBI in its over 210-year history. And the list does not end here. Many financial leaders have taken their respective companies to the next level of growth.  Women are financially illiterate or bad with numbers  There is always an assumption that women cannot understand finances or numbers. Let me clear the numbers part for you first. Do you remember Shakuntala Devi? She was an Indian mental calculator and writer, popularly known as the "Human Computer".   Now, let's move on to the finances and investment part. It is often presumed that women cannot understand the basic SIP modes and invest in other instruments. What is tricky about a SIP that only the latter gender can understand? Also, do not forget that it is Gita Gopinath, a woman who leads the International Monetary Fund. So, do you still think numbers are not our cup of tea?  Women are dependent on the men in their family  Whenever a woman is being married off, it is always said that the man will have to take care of all her financial, mental, or physical needs. But it does not work that way. Both spouses are equal contributors to each other's well-being. Even if the husband is the earning member of the family, the wife takes care of the house and nurtures the children. She does not let even one single problem at home bother him. The wife morally supports and deeply motivates her husband every day so that he can stay focused at work.  However, women are more than capable of making financial decisions and managing money. They draw out a detailed budget based on the allowance that their husbands give them and their everyday expenses for the house.   Some women have set up massive empires like Vineeta Singh, Founder, and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics; Radhika Aggarwal, CBO of ShopClues and the first woman in India to enter the Unicorn Hub, Hemalatha Annamalai, CEO of Ampere Electric Pvt. Ltd developed an electric scooter even before Elon Musk entered the space of Electronic Vehicles.  Women don’t need any financial protection  Everyone needs financial protection, a man, a woman, a child. It is always considered that women don't need financial protection as their spouse/father is earning for them and can provide for all their needs.   But it is high time that we realized that women need investments in their name. They are entitled to insurance. They need to have SIPs set in their name and have good health insurance and term insurance plans.  Women’s role is only limited to domestic chores  Women have permanently been restricted to family life. It was always about getting married, taking care of the husband, having children, and then spending the rest of their lives bringing up their children. The only financial decision they were allowed to make was bargaining with the subjiwala (vegetable seller). They were only allowed to make financial decisions around everyday spending on the house with the limited allowance given to them by their husbands. However, how can society assign these roles to a particular gender? Today, aren't women doctors, lawyers, CEOs, athletes, wrestlers, etc.? Also, aren't the household chores even arduous?  Women outperform men in 11 of 12 key emotional intelligence competencies, making them better workplace leaders. Obstacles like lack of financial independence, societal constraints, and stereotypes around womanhood prevent them from achieving their true potential. But don’t let that stop you; Indra Nooyi did not have enough money and had to work her way through Yale School of Management to become the CEO of Pepsi Co! If she can, you can; start small and save whatever you can! Above all, have faith in your ability to shatter the glass ceiling. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Given the rising cost of education, giving your children the best education possible should be your top priority as parents. By investing early in different child investment plans, you can create a sizable education corpus for all your child’s needs. Here are the different types of child investment plans. 1. Equity mutual funds When your child is still small and you have at least 15 to 20 years till retirement, it is excellent to begin investing in equities mutual funds. This enables you to withstand shocks like stock market collapses and volatility. Equity investing is not for everyone since it demands technical expertise and the capacity to keep current. To choose equities mutual funds is, therefore, the better option.  These are managed by professionals who are aware of how to choose the least hazardous stocks while still making sure that your money grows over time. You may put together a portfolio of equity mutual funds just for your child's schooling. When your child is 4 or 5 years old, you may accomplish this by creating an account specifically for children and choosing Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in risky products like equities mutual funds. Then, when you and your child become older, you can take a more conservative approach. 2. Public provident fund (PPF) Parents continue to favor PPF even after the government lowered interest rates on provident fund accounts. Because you cannot take the corpus until the conclusion of the 15-year maturity period, PPF deposits promote discipline. You may build your corpus for educational purposes because the principle, interest, and total maturity amount are all tax-free. You may rest certain that your money is secure because the government backs PPFs. However, because PPFs' official interest rates have already decreased, relying only on them can result in a cash flow problem. Build your portfolio to provide larger returns to prevent this. For your child's future, choose a well-balanced investment portfolio that includes both PPFs and Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPS). 3. Direct Equity Direct equity, sometimes referred to as stock investing, is perhaps the most effective investment strategy. You get a stake in a company when you buy stock in it. You are personally responsible for funding the business's growth and advancement. You need to have the necessary time and market knowledge to make money from your investment. Publicly traded companies provide their stocks on reputable stock markets. Stocks are the finest long-term investments. You must actively manage your assets since several economic and commercial factors influence shares. You must also be aware that profits are not guaranteed, and you must be willing to assume the associated risks. 4. Fixed deposits Banks and other financial organizations provide FDs as one sort of investment. You earn a fixed rate of interest for a predetermined amount of time after making a deposit. Compared to mutual funds and equities, fixed deposits offer complete capital protection and guaranteed returns. You give in, though, since the rewards remain the same. The banks establish the interest rate on fixed deposits by the RBI's policy review decisions, and it changes depending on the status of the economy. Despite being typically locked-in investments, fixed deposits are commonly accepted as collateral for loans or overdraft facilities by investors. A fixed deposit with tax advantages and a 5-year lock-in is also available. 5. Employee provident fund The EPF is one of the investment vehicles geared toward retirement, and it enables salaried individuals to take advantage of a tax credit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. EPF contributions are often provided by the employer in addition to employee deductions that are typically made as a percentage of monthly wages. Once it reaches maturity, the EPF withdrawal corpus is entirely tax-free. The Indian government also determines the EPF rates each quarter and provides a guarantee on your EPF deposits. 6. National pension system The National Pension System is a more modern alternative for tax-saving investments (NPS). NPS plan subscribers must stay committed until retirement and can anticipate higher returns than those from PPF or EPF. This is true since the NPS offers plan choices that include stock investments. A portion of the tax-exempt NPS maturity corpus must be utilized to purchase an annuity that will give the investor a regular pension. 7. US stocks By purchasing US stocks, you may gain exposure to the most well-known brands, like Nike, Starbucks, and other well-known companies like Tech Giants Google, and Apple. These businesses are well-known and present around the world. You may diversify your portfolio by investing in such businesses. Over the previous five years, the US dollar has increased. You acquire US Dollars when you invest in US stocks. When these assets are kept for a lengthy period, the value of your investment rises about the USD exchange rate. Investment plans for children help you and your child prepare financially for growing education costs, unanticipated illnesses, and bad circumstances. Planning for your child's future must begin as soon as feasible. This spreads out the risks involved and gives your assets more time to flourish Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Entrance exams are fundamental for advancing in a profession, and sometimes the more expensive the career exam, the more rewarding it proves for your professional life. If you want to know about “what are the most expensive career exams to take”, then you have come to the right place as this blog is going to deal with this query. Entrance exam in India with fees Career exams from reputed universities help you in creating a successful career path. Even education counselors recommend admission to popular universities as it helps in achieving desired career goals.  The most expensive career exams are in engineering, law, medicine, arts, and management. Let us go through some of them to get a clear picture of the cost of appearing in such exams. 1. GMAT The GMAT exam is for students who want to pursue an MBA course abroad. The cost of GMAT exams is $275 (INR 22,588.50) GST inclusive for Indian students. It is applicable for both online and offline exams.  2. JEE (AIEEE) Since the year 2014, AIEEE has been replaced with JEE exams. These are conducted in two stages, JEE Main and JEE Advanced, for admission to engineering colleges all over India.   3. JEE Main The cost of JEE Main entrance exams in India is INR 650 per paper for boys and INR 325 per paper for girls of the General category, and INR 325 per paper for both boys and girls of SC/ST/PWD/Transgender categories.  For outside India, the cost is INR 3,000/paper for boys and INR 1,500/paper for girls of the General category, and INR 1500/paper for both boys and girls of SC/ST/PWD/Transgender categories.  4. JEE Advanced The total cost of JEE Advanced is INR 2600 + GST for boys of the General category and INR 1300 + GST for boys of SC/ST/PWD/Transgender categories. Female students belonging to any category do not have to pay the fees.  5. NLU (CLAT)  NLU or the National Law Universities conduct CLAT for BBA LLB, BA LLB, LLM, etc.  The cost of the exams for both boys and girls in the General/OBC/PWD/PIO/NRI/OCI category is INR 4,000 and for boys and girls in SC/BPL/ST categories is INR 3,500. Students who want to receive the previous year's question papers have to pay another INR 500.  6. BITSAT Students appearing for BITSAT are eligible for several courses like B.E, BPharma, and M.Sc at BITS Pilani Campuses. The cost of the career exams is INR 3,400 for boys and INR 2,900 for girls for one session and INR 5,400 for boys and, INR 4,400 for girls for both sessions.   7. GATE GATE is a qualifying exam for admission to PG courses in IITs and IISc. The cost of this career exam is INR 850 for female students and students of SC/ST/PWD categories and INR 1700 for all other applicants. If the exam center is in Dhaka and Kathmandu, the cost is $100 (INR 8,214), and for Dubai and Singapore, it is $200 (INR 16,428).  8. CAT CAT or Common Admission Test are conducted by IIMs for admission to Post Graduate, Executive Education, and Doctoral programs. The cost of appearing in CAT is INR 2,300 for both male and female students in the General/NC/OBC categories and INR 1150 for SC/ST/PWD categories.  9. GPAT The NTA conducts the GPAT career exams for admission to MPharma courses. The cost is INR 2,000 for boys and INR 1,000 for girls in the General category, and INR 1,000 for students of Gen-EWS/Sc/ST/OBC/PWD/Transgender categories.  10. NEET-UG NEET UG replaced AIPMT and is now conducted by NTA for admission to the medical institutes in India for MBBS. The cost of appearing in NEET-UG for boys and girls of the General category is INR 1,600, for General-EWS/OBC-NCL category is INR 1,500 and for SC/ST/PWD/Third Gender categories is INR 900.   Conclusion The most expensive career exams are a challenge at the beginning, no doubt because you need to pay a huge amount of money just to appear for these exams. But once they get through and complete the course, the candidates can expect a good job with a good salary.  The education counselors on the Edufund App offer one-on-one guidance to simplify information and clear all the doubts about your dream university and career exams across regions and domains all over India and abroad. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

You want to provide your kids with the brightest future possible as a parent. With the growing inflation and changing lifestyles, this chore may be extremely difficult. Thus planning and making wise financial decisions can enable you to protect your children's future and support them in realizing their aspirations. In this blog, we'll talk about the benefits of child investment plans. Why is it important to save for your children? Saving for your kids can significantly impact their life. With proper preparation, rising expenditures brought on by inflation may be avoided. Additionally, in case of an emergency, a corpus might shield your kids from any financial misfortunes. Saving money now for your children can ultimately benefit them during nearly all significant stages of their life. When you save for your children, you provide them with a strong foundation that enhances their confidence in everything from the level of school they get to being independent and beginning their own business. Your financial provision for them serves as a security net and gives them the greatest possible start in adulthood. Benefits of child investment plans 1. Financial security  Savings plans for kids offer a lump sum payout in the form of the claim amount in the event of an unexpected circumstance. The plan is still in effect, and the life insurance company is responsible for all future premium payments. The payoff received after the insurance period guarantees that your children's wishes will always come true. 2. Tax benefits  Additionally, these plans provide Section 80C tax advantages on premiums paid up to INR 1.5 lakh in a fiscal year. According to Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act of 1961, the payout received after the policy term is likewise tax-exempt. 3. Education costs benefits  Almost all parents, when asked about their top worry for their child's future, will quip about how expensive schooling has become in the modern world. It costs money to send your child to a decent school. Additionally, as the year's pass, your child could opt to pursue other education that would cost the earth. Your financial load will be lessened if you make wise financial decisions and enroll in a kid insurance plan that matures throughout these seasons. 4. Withdraw part of the funds After the policy term, child plans provide maturity benefits in the form of a lump payment. You may choose a maturity date based on how soon your child will require money in the future. Your investment accumulates a tidy corpus over the course of the term, which is sufficient to pay for your child's dreams. 5. A habit of saving As we have indicated, childcare plans offer the benefits of both insurance and investment. Go back to your financial plan before purchasing a child care plan and estimate your financial needs at each stage of life. Determine the expenses you are saving for, such as elementary and secondary education, college, a wedding, etc. Additionally, evaluate your other obligations, such as a mortgage, and decide on an insurance plan that perfectly complements your financial strategy. Although it may at first seem like a nuisance, making regular premium payments will eventually become a habit that will serve you well as your child becomes older. Investment strategy for child investment plans List specific goals upfront, such as the child's preferred education and related costs. After paying all of your regular costs, you'll be able to estimate how much you can afford and how much you'll need to set aside each month. However, you must remember that loans can also be utilized to fund your education. As a result, you do not have to sacrifice other expenditures like healthcare and retirement to save for your child's education. As the financial goal approaches, reduce your stock exposure to lessen the likelihood of adverse market changes. FAQ Which investment is good for a child's future? When your child is still small and you have at least 15 to 20 years till retirement, it is excellent to begin investing in equities mutual funds. This enables you to withstand shocks like stock market collapses and volatility. When is the best time to buy a child's education plan? Generally speaking, it is best to get a kid's education plan as soon as possible. This is so that you can leverage the benefits of compounding if your investment has more time to develop. Why is future planning important for children? The best way to guarantee money for your children's future needs is through child plans. Many modern plans come with a variety of features that can help you develop your assets and ensure that your kids have money for college. Without having to deal with the pressure of a large investment, you may frequently make little investments.Investment plans for children help you and your child prepare financially for growing education costs, unanticipated illnesses, and bad circumstances. Planning for your child's future must begin as soon as feasible. This spreads out the risks involved and gives your assets more time to flourish. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

What is the right time to invest in child investment plans is one of the most important questions for parents. Investing when your child is young and about to head off to school is considered the right time to invest in child investment plans. In fact, this ensures that your kids won't have to abandon their aspirations due to a lack of funding. The right time to invest in child investment plans The best time to start investing is right now since there are several advantages to beginning early. The sooner you begin investing, the more you can eventually give your kids. Your biggest ally is time, so even if you just save a tiny amount today, it will eventually grow into a sizable corpus. The power of compounding should be fully utilized in order to maximize the profits that will be created on any current investments you make. Starting to save for your children as soon as possible is a wise move. You may make sure that every monetary element of their lives is taken into consideration in this way. But it's never too late to start saving. Even if you start saving while your kids are young (1 to 8 years old), you can amass enough money to support them as they age and their expenditures rise. How to invest in child investment plans? You should put time and effort into your child's future if you want to be totally ready for any situation. The following things should be taken into account when choosing when to start investing. You must make a decision on the time range for investment because the amount of time you wish to continue making the commitment is one of the most important elements to take into account when planning future investments. The benefits are often larger the longer the time horizon. The average cost of your child's future education must be considered as the second element. Costs for postgraduate education are sometimes greater than those for graduation, however, this varies per school. You should also think about whether you want your child to have a local education or a global education. You could also consider your child's graduation in your own nation as well as their subsequent post-graduation in a foreign nation. Before making future plans, you must first evaluate your current situation. Analyze your assets and obligations attentively before making a choice. You should be completely aware of the present value of your Child plan if you're putting a portion of your funds there. Knowing an investment's current value might prevent you from spending too much on other financial objectives, including retirement. Please refrain from using the Child plan to cover other low-priority costs, such as house renovations. It's wise to prepare for the unexpected at all times. It's possible to incorporate other costs like rent, pocket money, and so on. Once your child enters high school, there are a variety of other factors to take into account in addition to school and tuition costs. Even while these sums initially appear insignificant, they could end up costing you more in the long term. If your child plans to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies abroad, it is even more important Different investment options for your child's investment plans Fixed deposits and other traditional products might not be enough to cover your child's college costs. Other products like equities funds, balanced funds, and shares should be taken into account. You can select one of the following investment strategies depending on your time frame: The best option is debt mutual funds if your child will need the money within five years. Such funds can provide liquidity while producing returns that are more than the rate of inflation. You can mix several financial products for long-term aims. You have the option of investing in gold, stocks, and debt. Although exposure to the stock market is hazardous, investing in equities gives investors the chance to generate larger profits over the long run. PPF is one of the greatest investment options for financing a child's education. To establish a sizable corpus, you must begin this early and invest steadily. Numerous insurance providers provide a range of kid-focused solutions. When your child needs the money to pursue further education, you may choose to implement more mature policies. FAQ When is the best time to buy a child's education plan? Generally speaking, it is best to get a kid's education plan as soon as possible. This is so that you can leverage the benefits of compounding if your investment has more time to develop. What various child education programs are there in India? Currently, India offers 3 main kinds of child education plans: Equity-Linked Child Plans Endowment Child Plan Guaranteed Return Child Plans Which investment is good for a child's future? When your child is still small and you have at least 15 to 20 years till retirement, it is excellent to begin investing in equities mutual funds. This enables you to withstand shocks like stock market collapses and volatility. Investment plans for children help you and your child prepare financially for growing education costs, unanticipated illnesses, and bad circumstances. Planning for your child's future must begin as soon as feasible. This spreads out the risks involved and gives your assets more time to flourish Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

As parents, providing your kids with the greatest education given the growing expense of school is your number one priority. By making early child investment plans, you make sure that your kids won't have to abandon their aspirations due to a lack of funding. Let’s find out the importance of child investment plans and how child plans solidify your child’s future. What is a child investment plan?  Child investment plans are specialized life insurance policies that assist you in meeting your savings and life insurance needs while providing for the future security of your children. Being a parent, correctly raising your kids, and giving them a solid education must be among your top priorities. You may realize all of your goals for your child with the use of a child plan, including assisting them in pursuing their desire to attend a top institution. Importance of child investment plans Child Investment plans for children help you and your child prepare financially for growing education costs, unanticipated illnesses, and bad circumstances. Planning for your child's future must begin as soon as feasible. This lengthens the time frame over which your assets can increase and balances the associated risks. The following are some benefits of investing in a child's plan:  1. Funding for children's education As your child gets older, a significant portion of your resources will go into paying for your child's education, thus preparing for higher education is essential for guaranteeing their future. You may generate the money required so that your child can follow their ideal job by investing in their education. With college costs increasing, every day matters when it comes to being financially prepared for your child’s education. Get in touch with our experts at EduFund and you can save up to 2.5 Cr by starting today.  2. Flexibility to withdraw part of funds By selecting a child investment plan that gives you the freedom to withdraw funds as per your kid's requirements, you may easily access a portion of your funds while the remainder of your investments continue to grow 3. Protection against uncertain times Many kid insurance policies have advantages including premium waivers. This makes it such that, in the sad event that anything bad happens, future premium payments won't be necessary. The investment yields a lump sum payment upon maturity and grows without the requirement for premium payments. This guarantees that no matter what, your child's dreams are protected. Different investment plans for your child Fixed deposits and other traditional products might not be enough to cover your child's college costs. Other products like equities funds, balanced funds, and shares should be taken into account. You can select one of the following investment strategies depending on your time frame: The best option is debt mutual funds if your child will need the money within five years. Such funds can provide liquidity while producing returns that are more than the rate of inflation. You can mix several financial products for long-term aims. You have the option of investing in gold, stocks, and debt. Although exposure to the stock market is hazardous, investing in equities gives investors the chance to generate larger profits over the long run. PPF is one of the greatest investment options for financing a child's education. To establish a sizable corpus, you must begin this early and invest steadily. Numerous insurance providers provide a range of kid-focused solutions. When your child needs the money to pursue further education, you may choose to implement more mature policies. Investment strategy for child investment plans List concrete objectives from the outset, such as the child's desired schooling and associated fees. This will enable you to estimate how much you can afford after paying all of your usual bills and how much you need to save each month. You must keep in mind, though, that loans can also be used to pay for education. Saving for your child's education does not, therefore, require you to forgo other expenses like healthcare and retirement. Reduce your stock exposure as the financial objective approaches to lower the chance of negative market moves. FAQ When is the best time to buy a child's education plan? Generally speaking, it is best to get a kid's education plan as soon as possible. This is so that you can leverage the benefits of compounding if your investment has more time to develop.  What various child education programs are there in India? Currently, India offers 3 main kinds of child education plans: Equity-Linked Child Plans Endowment Child Plan Guaranteed Return Child Plans Which investment is good for a child's future? When your child is still small and you have at least 15 to 20 years till retirement, it is excellent to begin investing in equities mutual funds. This enables you to withstand shocks like stock market collapses and volatility. Investment plans for children help you and your child prepare financially for growing education costs, unanticipated illnesses, and bad circumstances. Planning for your child's future must begin as soon as feasible. This spreads out the risks involved and gives your assets more time to flourish. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Planning for a child’s secure future could be a difficult task. Almost every parent tries to create a strong financial cushion for their child, but in the end, they find their funds insufficient. At the time of creating a strong financial backup plan for the child, it is critical to make the right investment choices at right time. Read on, to know the child investment plans. There is no better gift that a parent can give to their child, than the promise of a secure future. There are critical aspects that a parent should never ignore like the rising cost of education, stationary, books, medical expenses, etc. Here are some of the best saving child investment plans: UTI CCF – Investment Plan – Growth Direct Tata Young Citizens’ Fund Direct-Growth HDFC Children Gift Fund Direct Plan Axis Children’s Gift Direct No Lock in Growth SBI Magnum Children’s Benefit Fund Direct-Growth Aditya Birla Sun Life Bal Bhavishya Yogna Direct Growth LIC MF Children Gift Fund Direct Plan Child investment plans 1. UTI CCF – Investment Plan – Growth Direct About Fund The fund is investing predominantly in equity and equity-related instruments across market capitalization. The fund has invested 98.21% in stocks, 0.12% in debt, and the remaining 1.66% in cash. The fund has a diversified portfolio that consists of 55 stocks. The fund follows a growth style of investing which means that the fund invests in stocks with high growth potential. The fund has given consistent performance over the period. Parents who want to invest in a child investment plan can consider this as one of the options. Start investing 2. Tata Young Citizens’ Fund Direct-Growth About Fund The fund is investing predominantly in equity and equity-related instruments across market capitalization. The fund has invested 97.88% in stocks and 2.12% in cash. The fund has a diversified portfolio that consists of 55 stocks. The fund has given consistent returns with lower volatility. Parents can consider this plan as one of the child’s investment options to save for their child’s future. Start investing 3. HDFC Children Gift Fund Direct Plan About Fund The fund is investing has invested in different asset classes including equity and debt. The fund has invested 66.88% in stocks, 24.67% in debt, and the remaining 8.45% in cash. The fund has a diversified portfolio which consists of 46 stocks and 16 bond holdings. The fund follows a growth style of investing which means that fund invests in stocks with high growth potential. The fund has given consistent performance over the different trailing periods. Start investing 4. Axis Children’s Gift Direct No Lock in Growth About Fund The objective of the fund is to generate income by investing in debt & money market instruments along with long-term capital appreciation through investments in equity & equity-related instruments. The fund has invested 70.08% in stocks, 18.84% in debt, and the remaining 11.08% in cash. The fund has diversified its investment in different asset classes to minimize the risk and maximize the returns. The fund's focus is to reduce volatility and enhance returns. Start investing 5. SBI Magnum Children’s Benefit Fund Direct-Growth About Fund The objective of the fund is to provide the investors an opportunity to earn regular income predominantly through investment in debt and money market instruments and capital appreciation through an actively managed equity portfolio. The fund has invested 22.25% in stocks, 48.05% in debt, and the remaining 29.67% in cash. The fund has very low volatility as the major portion of the money is invested in debt and debt-related instruments. Also, the fund holds AAA-rated quality bonds. The fund is good to invest for a child’s future as the volatility is low and has delivered good returns. Start investing 6. Aditya Birla Sun Life Bal Bhavishya Yogna Direct Growth About Fund The investment objective of the Wealth Plan is to seek the generation of capital appreciation by creating a portfolio that is predominantly investing in equity & equity-related securities and debt and money market instruments. The fund has invested 98.64% in stocks and 1.36% in cash. The fund has invested across sectors and follows a growth style of investing with a major portion invested in large-cap companies. Parents planning to save for their child’s future can consider investing in this fund. Start investing 7. LIC MF Children Gift Fund Direct Plan About Fund The primary investment objective of the fund is to seek to generate capital appreciation & provide long-term growth opportunities by investing in a portfolio constituted of equity securities & equity-related securities and the secondary objective is to generate consistent returns by investing in debt and money market securities. The fund has invested 86.36% in stocks, 3.82% in debt, and the remaining 9.82% in cash. The fund is a consistent performer and has delivered good returns over the period. All the above-mentioned plan has a lock-in period for investment for children having a lock-in for at least 5 years or till the child attains the age of majority, whichever is earlier. This also provides you consistency in your investment journey. Start investing Conclusion With the rising cost of education and other related expenses, parents need to save and invest dedicatedly for their child’s bright future. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Parents should be aware of investment tips for higher education in India so that they can plan, invest, and save the required amount accordingly.  Education inflation is high at 10% - 12% a year and is considered one of the biggest outflows for an Indian family. Lifestyle inflation is also high and greatly impacts the decision of a parent to send their child to the best available educational institution. It is at such times that parents need saving tips and investment tips to plan for their child’s higher education expenses and lessen the future financial burden. Important investment tips for meeting higher education expenses Step 1: Get an estimate of the education costs One of the first investment tips for higher education in India is to get an approximate estimate of the educational expenses so that it becomes possible to make financial plans accordingly. The education costs vary from one person to another, and various other factors like the type of course selected by the child, admission in government or private institutions, and admission in India or abroad. A comprehensive assessment and a realistic estimate of the financial needs will help to create a proper financial plan for a healthy future.  Step 2: Prepare for any unexpected expenses Consider unexpected expenses besides the education expenses to meet the unforeseen needs of the child. Pocket money, accommodation costs, travel expenses, food expenses, additional tuition, and reference books are some of the expenses that parents should be prepared for. There could be occasions when parents might need to help their children financially, and it is better to be prepared for such unforeseen circumstances from the beginning.  Step 3: Identify your time frame Determine the number of years you have in hand before you have to spend on your child’s higher education. If you are an early starter, then it is well and good as you will have several years for both short-term and long-term investment plans, but even if you have realized a bit later, then there is no need for concern because there are several investment options just for these types of investors.   Establishing a time horizon and calculating the years you have in hand makes it easier to make investment plans for your child’s higher education.  Start Investing Step 4: Look at savings options Look at the savings options available in the market and choose the best available option based on time horizon, future goals, and risk tolerance. Child insurance plans and child education plans offered by insurance companies are also good options if you are looking for safe havens. In India, government saving schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yohana (for girls) are considered good for conservative investors as it offers tax benefits up to INR 1.5 Lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.  Smart savings is the need of the hour, and parents have the option of choosing SIP or recurring deposits for easy and hassle-free ways to save for future needs.  Step 5: Identify the investment options Depending upon the target corpus and the rough estimate of the required returns you wish to generate, identify the investment options available to you. The ones considered suitable for a child’s higher education fund are Gold ETFs, term deposits, savings schemes, solution-oriented schemes, and mutual funds.  Investors can choose from equity, debt, and hybrid mutual fund schemes as they are high-return schemes if invested for long-term periods.  Opt for smart investments to secure your money for higher education in India because well-planned asset allocation and regular investments increase the returns at a greater pace.  Step 6: Take the help of a financial advisor Take the help of a financial advisor to save and invest sensibly. The financial advisors on the Edufund App are some of the best in the field if you are interested in creating a safe and secure personalized financial plan. The various tools at their disposal like the college cost calculator are a tremendous help in identifying future costs and making investment plans based on personal requirements.  Step 7: Start now Do not delay, as the more time you waste, the less time you have to create an appropriate education fund and accumulate the necessary amount.  Create a financial strategy now, as planning for a child’s future is more important than any other task. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Parenthood is a challenging experience. With growing education inflation, you must maintain adequate cash reserves to avoid burning a hole in your wallet. Selecting the best one-time investment plan for your child's future can assist in guaranteeing that they have enough money for each stage of their life.  Getting the finest kid education plan is recommended as just a one-time investment that shields children after your death while also creating enough funds to pay for their educational ambitions. The best one-time investment plan considerations Today's Indian market is swamped with new kid education plans that serve as one-time investment solutions with various features and rewards. Creating the optimal selection is to making an informed decision promptly. Below are some significant factors to consider while selecting the best one-time investment plan for the child. The benefit amount from the child investment plans should be suitable for individuals with the inconsistent financial flow. The payouts from these investment plans should be able to support their requirement. Compared to other normal policy rates, the kid plan premium is lower. This is because the insurance is purchased in cash rather than in installments. There are, however, several child education options, including making monthly premium payments. Another feature is the tax benefit, which allows you to take benefits of Section 80C in the first year for the sole premium plan vs standard plans Best investments for children 1. Invest in Equity Mutual Funds  Deposits in equity mutual funds rank high on the one-time investment plan for kids. The extended period of 10-15 years and the investing style offered are the two key reasons for this. Equity funds have historically generated around 12% to 15% annual returns. Mutual funds are generally regarded as a secure investment that allows investors to spread with little risk. However, there are times when a mutual fund is not a suitable alternative for a new entrant, particularly regarding expenses. A mutual fund plan is a financial instrument created by pooling money from several investors. Mutual fund firms engage in securities such as corporate shares, bonds, stocks, loans, and other assets through AMCs. Mutual fund businesses invest their funds in a variety of securities. This enables its investors to increase their wealth through investing. 2. Recurring deposit investments If you are searching for a low-risk investment strategy for your children's future, consider recurring deposits, as interest rates are at an all-time high. You may secure the RDs and make plans for your child's future. In India, both banks and post offices provide recurring deposits. For example, a monthly investment of Rs 1000 might yield Rs 2 lakhs over ten years. 3. PPF Investments If you are searching for a long-term investment plan, consider PPF, which allows you to lock in your assets for 15 years. A baseline of 1 lakh can be deposited every year, with an annual return rate of 8.75%. Post offices and banks may both open PPF accounts. 4. Gold Investments Gold is an excellent hedge against stocks, particularly during uncertain market conditions. Parents invest in gold through ETFs, E-Gold, and gold mutual funds. Experts advise against investing in physical gold to limit the danger connected with physical gold storage. 5. Risks & Returns from Mutual Funds The mutual fund returns may estimate the annual and absolute returns available from 1 week to a maximum of 5 years. Most mutual fund return computations forecast the scheme's performance rank within fund classes.  Mutual funds concentrate on securities, whether stock or debt, whose values change in response to market fluctuations. This makes them riskier because the fund's NAV is determined by the individual securities values in its portfolio. Great-risk mutual funds are funds with big potential and the possibility to deliver high returns. These funds, however, are very unpredictable and carry significant risks. The degree and kind of risk are determined by the investments in a mutual fund. Choosing an adequate kid plan as a one-time investment will ensure your child's financial security even after death. Timely investments must take precedence whenever it relates to their academic and financial security. Mutual funds are among the most effective investment strategies since they provide better returns and diversity. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan  TALK TO AN EXPERT

In today's age, we as Indian consumers, use Google, Microsoft, Starbucks, Netflix, and Spotify in our day-to-day lives. Some of the world's largest companies are based out of the US. These are high-growth companies listed on the US stock exchange. Why should you invest in US stocks?  Here is why you should invest in US stocks:   Exposure to global companies: By investing in US stocks, you get exposure from Tech Giants like Google and Apple to the most prominent brands like Nike, Starbucks, etc. These companies have a global presence and are known worldwide. Investing in such companies helps you expand your portfolio.  Fractional shares: Currently, the cost of one Netflix share is $224, roughly ₹18,216.95. This makes investing in US stocks very expensive if one buys whole shares. But fear not! US stock offers the concept of investing in fractional shares. In case you have ₹10,000, you can invest the whole amount across different shares fractionally instead of buying whole shares.  Portfolio diversification: Many global factors, like geo-political tensions, budgets, oil price changes, etc., have a significant impact on any country's economy and market. By having optimized diversification, your portfolio can absorb market volatility efficiently.  Currency hedging: The US Dollar has been on the rise for the past five years. By investing solely in the Indian market, you are missing out on the opportunity of a USD rise. While investing in US stocks, you are purchasing US Dollars. When these investments are held for long investment horizons, your investment value increases in terms of currency with an increase in the USD rates.  Steps to create your US Account on the EduFund App  Open the EduFund App or the EduFund website.  Click on the top left corner where your initial is mentioned.   Then select the US Account set up option. You'll be able to view the charges and pricing page, where we do not charge you anything for the US ETF account creation. Kindly go through the other charges carefully.   Click on Continue. It will ask you to fill in your personal details, attach your ID (PAN) and address proof (Aadhar), Bank details, etc.  Agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers after reading it, and attest that the information provided by you is correct.  Then click on Create Investment Account.  Once the verification process is completed, your US account will be created Steps to add funds to your US ETF account  All residents can transmit up to $250,000 per financial year (April – March) for any permissible current or capital account transaction, or a combination of both, under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).  ICICI, HDFC, IDFC, and Kotak bank account customers can complete the LRS process online by logging in and following the fund transfer instructions.  You can choose one of two alternatives when transferring funds using LRS on our platform.  Online transfer – via your net banking  Offline transfer – Visit the bank and submit the A2 form How to add funds?  Log in to the app and click on Add Money for detailed instructions to add funds from your domestic bank account to your US ETF account.  Online mode: -  Proceed to your bank's Net banking and log in with your credentials.  Go to Fund Transfer Tab and select Add a Beneficiary. Select the Remit Now option.   Add the beneficiary details (you will find this on the app itself).  Click on Continue and select Confirm to add the Beneficiary.  Complete the OTP Verification to complete the addition of the Beneficiary.  Depending on the bank, the Beneficiary takes around 30-45 mins to be added.  Once the Beneficiary is added, select the Fund Transfer tab and click on Go in Remit Now.  Then choose your account and select the Beneficiary name entered above.  Scroll down and enter the Transfer Amount in USD and other details.  Then enter the account ID (starts with 6BE) (find it in EduFund’s profile section under US Account Set up) in the Sender to Receiver’s Info.   After reading it through, check the Terms and Conditions box to agree.  Complete the OTP Verification to initiate the transfer.  The fund transfer takes around 3-4 business days to reflect under the available cash balance on the app.  7 steps to invest in US stocks   Open the EduFund app.  Select the Invest option from the icons in the horizontal bar present at the bottom.  Select US Market on the top. (On this screen, you'll see the top US Stocks and the US ETF Baskets.)  Select the stock you want to invest in and tap on buy. If the stock you want to invest in is not on the screen, click View All and use the Search bar to search for your desired stock.  You’ll be able to see the Price and Available cash balance in your US Account.  Now under this, you’ll be able to see Market Order and Limit Order.  In limit order – it'll ask you Share to buy, Limit price, Duration and Estimated amount.  The market order will ask you Share to buy and Dollar to buy (amount of dollars you want to invest).  You can click on Place order after entering the above details.  Always choose an investment instrument suitable for your portfolio and aligned with your investment goal and risk appetite. Before taking exposure to US stocks, fundamentally analyze the companies so that investments are safe. Nevertheless, consult an expert to know the right investment option for you.  You can reach out to us on EduFund Customer Support for further queries, doubts, or guidance.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

Budgeting is the cornerstone of financial planning; building this habit as a student can help your child in the long run. If you are planning to send your child abroad or to a different city to pursue their higher education, then here is an article you must share on how to save money every month as a student with your child and your friends! 8 tips to save money as a student  The public image of a student is always of a broke kid struggling to make ends meet. Most kids fail to save every month without budgeting, poor planning, and making impulse decisions. To avoid falling into this trap, all you and your child needs is a monthly budget. Let's look at some easy tips that your child can use to save money every month. Monthly Budget: Having a budget and sticking to it is extremely important as a student. If you give Rs. 20,000 to your child for monthly expenses, then make sure they prioritize their bills and needs above everything else. The amount left can go towards luxuries, outings, savings, or investing. This will not only help them learn the importance of spending but also build a great habit of keeping track of their expenditures.    Crisis Funds: We live in unstable times where an emergency can consume all your family savings. You should create a crisis fund for your child to prepare for these emergencies. Please encourage them to put some money towards this fund every month. This will keep them secure for a few days or months, depending on the amount they have saved.    Shared Accommodation: Living alone can be fun, but it is also costly. A secure way to save money as a student is to opt for sharing accommodation or on-campus dorms so your child can save money and use it for other purposes.    Borrowed Books: Borrowing college books is another way to save money as a student every month. College books can be heavy on the pocket, and your child may have to buy different books for classes/courses for a short while, like 6 –7 months. So, to save money, it's better to borrow these books from your seniors or the library rather than spending thousands of rupees on a single book.    Part-time Jobs: Many countries allow students to work part-time during the semester to pay for their daily expenses. This is a brilliant way to make money as a student. If your child is studying abroad, taking a part-time job can help them become more independent and disciplined. Please encourage them to find employment in their field.    Homemade food: A sure-shot way to save money as a student is to eat out less and make homemade food. It is a cheap alternative as restaurant food can be expensive, especially in foreign countries.    Student Discounts: Brands like Adidas, Spotify, Netflix, and many more companies offer student discounts. All you need is to provide a student ID to avail the benefits and save money as a student!     Investing: The best tip for saving money every month as a student is to invest a small amount in your chosen fund. Whether it's Rs. 100 or 500, start investing this amount monthly, and watch the funds grow to new heights. Many funds have SIPs starting as low as Rs. 100 to encourage new investors to enter the market and reap its benefits in the long run.   Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT FAQ How to save money as a student in India? The best way to save money as a student in India is to create a monthly budget and follow it regularly. Another way to save is to develop skills that you can use to generate an income or get a part-time job to cover your daily expenses. Try to follow the investment rule of 50-30-20. 50% of your income should go towards your needs and paying bills, 30% towards wants and luxuries, and 20% should be used for investing and saving for the future. How can a teenager save money in India?  There are many ways to become financially independent teenagers in India. You can save money by avoiding EMIs, and impulse purchases like buying the new iPhone and taking up part-time jobs or paid internships to gain better skills. As a teenager, saving money and building your skills are better.  Is saving Rs. 1000 a month as a student good? Saving any amount is excellent for a student. Try to invest a portion of this money towards funds regularly to ensure you reap the benefits of compounding. You can start investing with as little as Rs. 100 or 500!    These tips on saving money every month as a student can help you instill a good habit of saving and investing in your child from a young age. Help them learn the value of money and encourage them to be careful with their expenses.  

Digital Gold is a great way to invest in gold without having to block large sums of capital that you need when investing in physical gold. It is easy to invest in, easy to store, and easy to sell when you want your money back.  Investing in gold as an asset class has been a key factor in traditional portfolios. But the rising gold prices have made the minimum investment in this asset class quite steep. This is one of the reasons why many young investors are unable to invest in this class. Why invest in Digital Gold?  Here are some benefits of investing in digital gold:   Invest in small amounts and quantities Kept safe in secured lockers Easy to buy, sell, monitor All investment details on one screen DigiGold investing at the click of a button Start investing small amounts today Today one gram of gold costs around Rs. 5200. Of course, with gold prices constantly rising, it becomes challenging for investors to put in huge blocks of money required today to purchase even 10 gms of gold. To help investors continue investing limited funds in this precious commodity, Digital Gold is a great alternative.  You can start by investing Rs.100 or more every month and increase the amount whenever you want.   Buy according to value or weight With the Digital Gold option, you can instantly buy DigiGold from Rs. 10 onwards. You can choose to buy DigiGold by its value in rupees or define the quantity in gms. You also get to see the live rate of gold, which refreshes every 5 minutes. Selling digital gold is also easy and hassle-free. Click here to start your digital gold investment! Why invest in Digital Gold on the EduFund App? EduFund allows you to buy and sell digital gold from the comfort of your home. All you need to do is download the App and start saving in gold at just Rs. 10!  You can also get amazing offers and rewards.   1. User- Friendly interface The EduFund DigiGold interface is extremely simple to understand and easy to manage and navigate. On a single screen, you get to see the amount invested, the current value of your investment, and the % returns on the same. You can also check the quantity of gold you hold in your locker. 2. Stored safely for you The DigiGold you purchase is kept safe in secured lockers at no extra cost to you. And you can buy and sell this gold easily from the convenience of your app, simply at the click of a button. So there are no certificates to maintain, and no worry about the purity of your gold, as all DigiGold traded on this app is 99.9% purity certified. You can check on your investments regularly and if you decide to sell your DigiGold, your physical assets will be liquidated and you will get your money in less than 48 hours. That is as quick as selling your mutual fund holdings! Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Saving for the future is critical for everyone to achieve their financial goals. Some people want to save to accumulate wealth, buy a house, buy a car or see their child settled abroad. One may not want to save just to beat inflation; some people save and invest to achieve their short-term and long-term goals. Tips to save money in the future 1. Create an emergency fund The first step towards saving is to start with creating an emergency fund so that you do not want to disturb your financial routine if any emergency arises. There are many formulas to create an emergency fund. One way is that you can create an emergency fund for six months of your expenses. So, in case of situations like job loss, your emergency fund can take care of your expenses till you find another job. You can park your emergency fund in liquid funds so that the liquidity is maintained. Start Investing in Mutual Funds 2. Make a monthly budget Making a monthly budget will help you to save money in a better way, as you will be able to identify and analyze your income and expenses in a better way. In this step, identify all your income first and then expenses, where you are spending the most of your money. Making a monthly budget will assist you in segregating income and expenses into different categories. To create a proper budget, you can follow the 50-30-20 rule. It says that 50% of your income should go towards your needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for saving and investing. By following this rule, you can manage your monthly budget. 3. Spend wisely  Spending wisely is as critical as making a budget. After making a budget, you can evaluate where you can cut down your unnecessary expenses. And where you do not need to spend your hard-earned money. For example, you may have bought a monthly subscription to some adventure park, but you may not be utilizing it. So, you can cancel your subscription and save a lot of bucks. Also, don’t take quick decisions in buying things. Evaluate its cost and usage, then make a thoughtful decision. If you spend wisely, then you can make a huge difference in saving for the future. 4. Set goals  The next step is to set your goals both short-term and long-term. Categorize your short-term and long-term goals based on their priority. And start saving for them. For example, sending your child for higher education after ten years is an example of a long-term goal, but paying for the school fees in the next 11 months is an example of a short-term goal. Identifying and prioritizing your goals is very crucial. Some parents could have a short-term goal to pay for a child’s higher education. So, it is essential to prioritize your goals based on time availability to achieve them. Additional read: How to save money to buy a house? 5. Create a savings plan  After deciding on your goals, create a savings plan for each goal. Try to save a fixed amount for each specific goal. Evaluate the cost of your goals; save and invest some money to achieve your target with ease. For example, if you want to send your child for higher education in the future, and the cost of IIM Ahmedabad in 2030 may cost Rs 60 lakhs, to save Rs 60 lakhs in the next eight years, you need to save and invest Rs 34000 every month in such asset class which can generate 14% annualized returns over the period. So, it is important to create a savings plan for each of your targets, such that you know how much you need to save and for how long. Before investing your money in any of the asset classes, please do thorough research on it. 6. Review the plan  After creating the savings plan, try to do a yearly review of the same and see whether the savings and investment are on track or not. If they are not aligned with your goals review your savings plan and make the changes accordingly.  Conclusion There is no one best way to save for future goals, in fact, there are multiple routes you can take to create a financial plan for yourself and your family’s diverse needs. Saving for the future will make you financially independent and free. It will also be going to help on rainy days without impacting your finances.  Following these steps could be difficult at the beginning, but after some time, these steps will change the way you spend and save. TALK TO AN EXPERT