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

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

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes. Let us talk about the flagship product – UTI Equity Savings Fund.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44SZNc03zBM UTI Equity Savings Fund  Investment Objective The investment objective of the Scheme is to provide capital appreciation and income distribution to the investors using arbitrage opportunities, investment in equity/equity-related instruments, and debt/money market instruments.   Investment Process   For Equity Investments: Sector selection combines top-down and bottom-up approaches going through short-term challenges and trading below long-term averages. Stock selection mainly involves Stocks trading at a deep discount to their intrinsic value and with signs of value unlocking. The focus lies mainly on stocks below their long-term averages or when it is cheap relative to market aggregates. Arbitrage opportunities arising out of mispricing in cash & future market. Opportunities that can provide regular accruals.  For Debt Investments: Debt portfolio is based on accrual strategy, focus on good credit quality, focus on low duration, tactical allocation on G-sec based on in-house view. Portfolio Composition  As a hybrid fund, the funds are allocated to equity, long-term debts, government securities, and non-current assets. The equity fund allocated 96.2% to large-cap funds, 3.8% to mid-cap. Note: Data as of 30th June 2023.Source: UTIMF Top 5 Active Stock Positions  Name Sector  % HDFC Bank Ltd. Banking 3.1% Infosys Ltd IT 2.9% ICICI Bank Ltd Banking 2.4% Larsen & Toubro Ltd Construction 2.1% ITC Ltd FMCG 1.9% Note: Data as of 30th June. 2023. Source: UTIMF  Performance Since Inception Note: Fund performance since launch; Inception Date – 30th Aug. 2018. Source: UTIMF Invest In Fund Fund Manager  Mr. V. Srivatsa is an Executive Vice President & Fund Manager –Equity at UTI AMC Ltd. He is a B. Com graduate, C.A., CWA, and has a PGDM from IIM, Indore. He has been with UTI AMC since 2002. Before joining UTI, he worked with Ford, Rhodes Parks & Co., Chartered Accountants for two years, and as Officer-Audit in Madras Cements Ltd. He started in the securities research department at UTI AMC, covering varied sectors such as Information Technology, Capital goods, and metals. He was promoted as fund manager offshore in December 2005 after a three-year stint in the DOSR. He was given additional responsibilities for the equity portion of hybrid funds in October 2009. He reports to the Head – Of equities for both the domestic & hybrid equity schemes.  Mr. Sunil Patil is Executive Vice President & Fund Manager – Debt. He joined UTI AMC in October 1989. He has 28 years of experience in Primary Market Investment / dealing and Fund Management.  Who Should Invest?  Investors looking for overall portfolio diversification.  Investors who want growth with limited downside risk to their portfolio  Investors looking for tax-efficient returns  Retirees looking for moderate and stable returns with low volatility  First-time investors to the Mutual Fund  Why Invest?  Diversified portfolio construct that limits the volatility   Aims to create long-term wealth creation by investing in companies that generate economic value   Portfolio management within well-defined investment philosophy & investment process Around 27 years of Performance track record  Tax efficiency due to equity taxation   Competitive expense structure   Ideal Time Horizon  Ideal for investors with a time horizon of three years and above.   Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The equity portion of the fund's portfolio is managed actively with both top-down and bottom-up stock-picking approaches. In contrast, the debt portion is managed with a focus on good credit quality and low duration. The fund has underperformed the benchmark since its inception. Hence, investors should remain invested long-term to witness alpha generation. 

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

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

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

Families constantly juggle expenses, unexpected bills, and financial goals that can leave them feeling stressed and financially vulnerable. However, there is a powerful tool that can help us regain control and transform our relationship with money: Family Budgeting. It goes beyond just numbers; family budgeting holds the potential to not only empower our finances but also strengthen the bonds that tie our family together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw Importance of family budgeting 1. Securing financial stability  A family budget often serves as a roadmap to financial stability and security, paving the way for a brighter future. By establishing a comprehensive budget, you gain a clear understanding of your income, expenses, and savings. This knowledge helps and empowers you in making informed decisions about ensuring that your family's needs are met while setting aside funds for emergencies, spending and saving, and future goals.  A budget acts as a safety net, providing peace of mind in cases of financial uncertainty, knowing that you have a plan in place to weather any storm that comes your way. What is the 15 * 15 * 15 Rule in Mutual Funds? Read More 2. Deciding long-term and short-term goals The process of budgeting allows you to define your financial goals as a family and work in a direction to achieve them together. Whether it's saving for a dream vacation, purchasing a new home, or planning for your children's education, a budget helps allocate funds toward these aspirations. The process of setting goals and tracking progress in stills a sense of purpose and direction within the family.  By involving the entire family in the budgeting process, everyone gains a sense of ownership and motivation to stay committed to the goals. This collaborative approach fosters a shared sense of purpose and strengthens family bonds as you work towards a common vision. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyFMznQdbwo 3. Teaching your kids financial responsibility One of the greatest gifts for your children that you can give is the knowledge and skills for managing money effectively. By having their involvement in the budgeting process, you create an opportunity for them to learn valuable lessons about financial responsibility. From an early age, children can grasp the concept of budgeting and develop healthy spending habits. Also, by including them in discussions about family finances, they get a deeper understanding of the value of money and the importance of making thoughtful financial choices. This not only equips them with essential life skills but also strengthens the parent-child relationship through open and honest conversations about money. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNqwEZbjEvc 4. Striving for transparency in budgeting  Family budgeting promotes open communication and transparency within the household. Regular budget meetings provide a platform for family members to discuss financial matters, voice concerns, and make joint decisions. This creates an environment of trust and cooperation, allowing everyone to contribute their ideas and suggestions. Through these discussions, you can address any financial conflicts or challenges that arise, fostering a culture of open dialogue and problem-solving. By working together as a team, you not only improve your financial situation but also build stronger bonds within the family, rooted in trust and shared decision-making. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zsd3-9_6H1o 5. Cultivating financial discipline Budgeting requires discipline and self-control, qualities that extend beyond financial matters. When you adhere to a budget, you cultivate discipline and develop a strong sense of accountability. These traits have a ripple effect, positively influencing other areas of life such as work, education, and personal relationships. By instilling financial discipline within your family, you impart valuable life skills that will benefit your loved ones for years to come. The process of budgeting teaches patience, delayed gratification, and responsible decision-making, equipping family members with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape. 5 Pro Tips for Creating a Child Education Fund Read More 6. Reduces stress and improves your well-being Financial concerns can be a significant source of stress within a family unit. Budgeting helps alleviate this stress by providing a sense of control and predictability. With a budget in place, you can reduce debt, plan for future expenses, and prioritize savings. As financial worries decrease, family members can focus on enjoying quality time together, strengthening their emotional bonds, and experiencing an overall improvement in well-being. The knowledge that you have a plan in place to handle financial challenges brings a sense of security and peace, enabling you to fully embrace the joys and opportunities that life has to offer. How long should you invest in SIP? Read More 7. Gives your emergency blanket  Life is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can arise at any moment. Family budgeting allows you to prepare for these emergencies by setting aside funds in an emergency savings account. This ensures that your family is better equipped to handle financial shocks without jeopardizing your long-term goals. By having a safety net in place, you can face unforeseen circumstances with confidence, knowing that you have taken proactive measures to protect your family's financial future. This not only gives a sense of security but also strengthens the family's resilience, fostering a mindset of preparedness and adaptability in the face of challenges. Family budgeting is more than just crunching numbers and tracking expenses. It is a transformative process that empowers your finances while nurturing strong bonds within your family. By creating a budget together, you embark on a journey of financial stability, goal achievement, and personal growth.

In a world driven by consumerism, it's easy to fall into the trap of overspending money and accumulating unnecessary extra debt. However, by making a few intentional changes in lifestyle, you can regain control of your finances thus, preparing yourself for a brighter future. We are presenting a comprehensive guide on how to embrace these changes, not only to save money but also to cultivate a more fulfilling and sustainable life. So, buckle up and embark on this transformative journey with us! Rethink Your Spending Habits The first step towards saving money begins with examining your spending habits. Take a moment to reflect on your purchases and ask yourself if they align with your long-term goals and values. Avoid impulse buying and opt for a more mindful approach. Differentiate between your wants and needs, and focus on fulfilling the latter. Create a Budget Budgeting is an essential tool for financial success. Start by tracking your income and expenses to gain a clear picture of where your money is going. Categorize your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Set realistic saving goals and allocate a portion of your income towards them. Remember, a well-planned budget is a roadmap to financial freedom. Cook and Eat at Home Eating out frequently can quickly drain your wallet. Embrace the art of cooking and prepare meals at home. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have control over the ingredients, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet. Explore new recipes, involve your family in meal planning, and make cooking a fun and rewarding experience.  INR 100 Crore Legacy for your Kids using SIP Read More Reduce Utility Consumption Conserving energy and water not only benefits the environment but also reduces your utility bills. Switch to energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use, and fix any leaks in your home. Simple acts like taking shorter showers and using cold water for laundry can significantly impact your monthly expenses. Smart Lifestyle Choices for Saving Money Embrace a Minimalist Lifestyle Decluttering your living space can have a profound impact on your mental well-being and finances. Adopt a minimalist approach and declutter ruthlessly. Sell or donate items you no longer need and embrace the freedom that comes with owning fewer possessions. Avoid falling into the trap of mindless consumerism, and focus on experiences and relationships rather than material possessions. Ditch Costly Subscriptions Review your subscriptions and eliminate those you no longer use or find value in. Streaming services like Netflix, Hotstar, or Prime, gym memberships, and magazine subscriptions can add up quickly. Consider sharing accounts with family or friends to reduce costs, or explore free alternatives such as public libraries and online resources. Embrace Second-Hand Shopping Buying brand new doesn't always equate to quality or satisfaction. Embrace the world of thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces to find great deals on clothing, furniture, and other items. Not only will you save money, but you'll also contribute to reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable economy. Cut Transportation Costs Transportation expenses can put a dent in your budget. Consider carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible. If you live in an urban area, you might even find that you can go car-free and rely on ride-sharing services or rentals for occasional needs. Embracing alternative modes of transportation not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint. Prioritise Free and Low-Cost Activities Entertainment doesn't have to be expensive. Explore the abundance of free or low-cost activities available in your community. Visit parks, organize picnics, join local clubs or organizations, attend free events and festivals, and utilize public amenities such as libraries and museums. By finding joy in these activities, you'll realize that happiness can't always be bought. Cultivate a DIY Mindset Learning new skills and tackling projects yourself can save you a significant amount of money. Whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, painting a room, or gardening, take the time to develop your DIY skills. Numerous online resources and tutorials are available to guide you through the process, empowering you to take charge of your surroundings and your budget. Saving money is not just about penny-pinching; it's a lifestyle choice that can lead to financial freedom and personal fulfillment. By embracing minimalism, cooking at home, cutting down on subscriptions, prioritizing saving, embracing second-hand shopping, reducing energy consumption, adopting DIY and upcycling, and cultivating a frugal mindset, you can transform your life and pave the way for a brighter future.  Remember, it's not about depriving yourself of joy, but rather finding happiness in the simple things and making intentional choices that align with your values and goals. So, start today and embark on a journey toward financial independence and a more fulfilling life.

Investing is an art, a game of numbers and strategy that has the power to shape our financial futures. But when it comes to investing, one size doesn't fit all. Every individual has unique goals, preferences, and risk tolerance which determine the type of investor they are.  Are you an adventurous risk-taker, or do you prefer a more cautious approach? Are you actively involved in managing your investments, or do you prefer a hands-off approach? By identifying your investing style, you can make more informed decisions and tailor your portfolio to suit your individual needs. What type of investor you are? 1. Risk-Averse Investor For some individuals, the thought of losing money is enough to keep them awake at night. They prioritize the preservation of capital over high returns. Risk-averse investors tend to choose low-risk investment options, such as government bonds, money market funds, and certificates of deposit (CDs). They give importance to stability and are more comfortable with predictable, albeit lower, returns. 2. Risk-Tolerant Investor On the other end of the spectrum, we have risk-tolerant investors. They are thrill-seekers, willing to take on higher levels of risk in pursuit of higher rewards. Risk-tolerant investors are often attracted to aggressive investment options, such as growth-oriented mutual funds, individual stocks, and alternative investments like real estate or commodities. They understand that with higher risk comes the potential for greater returns, but also the possibility of significant losses. 3. Active Investor Active investors are hands-on participants in the investment process. They actively research, analyze, and monitor their investments. They make frequent trades, seeking to take advantage of short-term market fluctuations. Active investors often enjoy the thrill of the chase and the potential for quick gains. They keep a close eye on market news, company earnings reports, and economic indicators to make informed decisions. Guide to Investing in US ETFs Read More 4. Passive Investor In contrast to active investors, passive investors prefer a more laid-back approach. They believe in the efficiency of the market and aim to match the overall market returns rather than trying to beat it. Passive investors typically invest in index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track a specific market index, such as the S&P 500. They benefit from diversification and low fees, and they tend to have a long-term investment horizon. Note: Finding your investor type is not a one-time decision but a reflection of your evolving financial goals, circumstances, and risk appetite. It's essential to understand that your investor type can change over time as you gain more experience or undergo life changes. Moreover, a balanced approach to investing can often yield the best results. 5. Assessing Your Risk Tolerance Apart from determining your investment style, understanding your risk tolerance is crucial for successful investing. Risk tolerance refers to your ability to endure market volatility and the potential loss of capital. While aggressive investors are comfortable with higher levels of risk, conservative investors prefer lower-risk investments to protect their principal. It is important to strike a balance between your risk tolerance and investment objectives to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw Introducing EduFund: Investing Made Easy for Parents Now that you have explored the various types of investors, it's important to mention EduFund, a platform designed to empower parents in their investment journey. Investing is not limited to individuals; it extends to families and their futures. As parents, we strive to provide the best opportunities for our children, including their education. EduFund understands the importance of investing in your child's future and empowers parents to become smart investors. EduFund offers a comprehensive solution that educates parents about the risks and benefits of investing. The platform provides valuable resources such as blogs, quizzes, and weekly insights to help parents deepen their understanding and make informed decisions. Whether you are a risk-seeking adventurer or a risk-averse cautious investor, EduFund caters to your unique needs. What sets EduFund apart is its commitment to empowering parents with knowledge and resources. Through the EduFund app, parents have access to a wealth of educational materials, including blogs, quizzes, and weekly insights. These resources help parents understand various investment concepts, debunk myths, and make informed decisions. One of the key advantages of EduFund is its emphasis on autonomy. Parents have full control over their investment decisions, allowing them to align their investments with their financial goals. However, EduFund also recognizes that investing can be daunting, especially for those new to the world of finance. That's why they provide expert guidance whenever needed. Parents can seek assistance from experienced professionals who can answer their questions and address their concerns. Investing in your child's education is an investment in their future success. EduFund helps you navigate the world of investments with confidence, ensuring that your child's educational aspirations are within reach. Join EduFund today and embark on a journey toward securing a bright future for your child. Understanding your investor type is crucial for achieving your financial goals. By reflecting on your risk tolerance and level of involvement, you can align your investment strategy with your unique preferences. Whether you identify as an adventurous risk seeker or a cautious capital preserver, EduFund is there to support you every step of the way, providing education, autonomy, and expert guidance. Begin your investment journey with confidence and empower your child's future through the power of EduFund.

The EduFund college cost calculator is India’s first education cost calculator that helps parents estimate the future cost of college. This user-friendly calculator provides accurate estimates of future costs associated with higher education, allowing individuals to make informed financial decisions.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV0_hgP8S1w India’s first college cost calculator in India  EduFund's College Cost Calculator is the first of its kind in India, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of Indian students and parents. It considers various factors such as tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and rate of inflation to provide a comprehensive estimation of the total cost of a college education.  1. Saving for College made easier  One of the key features of EduFund's College Cost Calculator is its ability to help individuals save for college expenses. By inputting their current savings and monthly contributions, users can visualize how their savings will accumulate over time. This feature allows students and parents to set realistic savings goals and create a solid financial plan for future education.  2. Beyond Tuition Fees: School Fees, Laptops, Books, and More EduFund's College Cost Calculator goes beyond just estimating tuition fees. It considers additional expenses such as school fees, accommodation costs, transportation, laptops, textbooks, and other educational resources. By including these factors, the calculator provides a more accurate and holistic picture of the overall expenses students and parents may encounter during the college journey.  3. User-Friendly Interface  EduFund's College Cost Calculator boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of calculating college expenses. With intuitive navigation and clear instructions, users can effortlessly input relevant information and receive instant estimates. The calculator ensures that even individuals without a financial background can easily comprehend and utilize the tool effectively.  4. Future cost of studying  One of the most powerful aspects of EduFund's College Cost Calculator is its ability to calculate the future cost of studying. By considering the projected inflation rate and the duration of the course, the calculator provides an estimation of the total cost a few years down the line. This foresight allows students and parents to plan and adjust their financial strategies accordingly.  Calculate College Cost How to use EduFund's college cost calculator?  Using EduFund's College Cost Calculator is a straightforward process that allows students and parents to gain valuable insights into the financial aspects of higher education. By following these simple steps, users can effectively utilize the calculator to plan for college expenses:  Visit the EduFund Website:  Access EduFund's official website to find the College Cost Calculator. The calculator is usually prominently displayed on the homepage or can be located in the "Tools" or "Resources" section.  Provide Basic Information:  Begin by entering the required basic information. This typically includes the current age of the student, the age at which they plan to start college, and the expected duration of the course. Input College Expenses:  Next, input the various college expenses that need to be considered. These may include tuition fees, school fees, accommodation costs, transportation expenses, books, laptops, and other related costs. EduFund's calculator is designed to provide a comprehensive estimation of all potential expenses.  Consider Inflation:  To ensure an accurate projection, the calculator factors in inflation rates. Enter the expected inflation rate based on historical data or estimates. This step is crucial as it helps account for the rise in college costs over time.  Include Current Savings:  If you have any existing savings earmarked for college, include them in the calculator. Enter the current amount saved as well as any ongoing monthly contributions towards the college fund. This feature allows users to understand how their savings can grow over time.  Review and Analyze Results:  Once all the necessary information has been entered, review the results provided by the calculator. EduFund's College Cost Calculator typically generates a detailed breakdown of the estimated total cost of college education, including a year-by-year analysis. It may also provide insights into the amount needed to save monthly or annually to achieve the desired goal.  Adjust Parameters:  If the results do not align with your expectations or financial capabilities, you can adjust the parameters within the calculator. Try modifying the duration of the course, monthly contributions, or inflation rate to explore alternative scenarios and find a plan that suits your needs.  Save or Print Results:  To have a record of your calculations or to share the information with others, consider saving or printing the results. This allows you to refer back to the estimates and financial projections whenever needed.  Remember, EduFund's College Cost Calculator is a dynamic tool that helps you gain insights into the future cost of studying. As circumstances change, such as college selection, scholarships, or financial situations, you can revisit the calculator to adjust and refine your financial plan accordingly.  By following these steps and utilizing EduFund's College Cost Calculator, students and parents can proactively prepare for the financial demands of higher education, empowering them to make informed decisions and create a solid financial strategy for a successful college journey.  What is College Cost Calculator? Read More Conclusion Empowering Financial Preparedness with EduFund's College Cost Calculator. By providing accurate estimations, a user-friendly interface, and comprehensive insights, this tool equips students and parents to plan effectively, ensuring a stable financial foundation for higher education. 

The stock market is not just a trading hub but also a real-time tool for monitoring the state's financial performance.   Having one of the strongest economies in the world, the stock markets in the United States are one of the most financially rewarding avenues for people interested in investing in company shares, derivatives, bonds, futures, commodities, and other financial instruments, which is why foreign investors keep an eye on US market trading hours.   Indian investors can now easily invest in the stock markets of the United States thanks to technological advancements. Through this article, you will get to know everything about the US stock market timing Regular trading hours in US time  The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, in particular, open at 9.30 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. ET (Eastern Time), a time zone that encompasses the Eastern states of the United States and parts of Canada. On weekends and holidays, the stock exchanges are closed.  Every year, there are a few market half-days. Depending on the calendar, they may fall on July 3 or 5, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas night. The NASDAQ and NYSE both close at 1 p.m. ET on certain half-days.  Regular trading hours Indian time  Investing in India is critical to account for the time difference between the United States and India. The NYSE and NASDAQ open and close at 8 p.m. (IST) and 2.30 a.m. (IST) respectively.  Due to daylight saving time, this varies throughout the year (DST).   Eastern Standard Time, or EST, is a time zone observed throughout the United States throughout the autumn and winter months.   EDT is 9.5 hours behind IST because it is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (UTC - 4).  Source: Pixabay Daylight saving time  One factor to remember when it comes to stock market timing in the United States is the effect of daylight-saving time, which occurs when the country's clocks are ahead by one hour.   DST is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The stock markets in the United States open at 7:00 p.m. IST and close at 1:30 a.m. IST.  Eastern Daylight Time, or EDT, is observed during the summer and spring seasons. Compared to Greenwich Mean Time or UTC - 5, EST is 5 hours behind and 10.5 hours behind IST.  Pre-market and after-hours trading hours  Trading is done in the United States even outside of typical business hours. Pre-market trading runs from 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. ET, or 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. IST, while after-hours trading runs from 4 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET, or 1:30 a.m. IST to 5:30 a.m. IST.   However, one should be mindful of the hazards because of the poor liquidity, low volume of participants, and volatility associated with pre-market and after-hours trading. The investing platform will determine whether one can invest pre-market or after-hours.  The timings in IST for other US stock exchanges are given in the table below.  NameStateOpening Bell (in IST)Closing Bell (in IST)Boston Stock ExchangeMassachusettsIt was acquired by NASDAQ Inc. in 2007.Chicago Stock ExchangeIllinois7:00 PM1:30 AMInternational Securities ExchangeNew YorkIt is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NASDAQ Inc.Miami Stock ExchangeFlorida7:00 PM1:30 AMNational Stock ExchangeNew JerseyThis was acquired by the NYSE in 2017 and is now traded as NYSE National.Philadelphia Stock ExchangePennsylvaniaThis was also acquired by NASDAQ Inc. and is traded at NASDAQ as Nasdaq OMX PHLX. The two largest stock exchanges in the United States, NYSE, and NASDAQ have bought the bulk of regional stock exchanges. As a result, regional time zones do not affect the timings of US stock markets in India.  List of holidays observed by the US Stock exchange Holiday202220232024New Year’s Day—Monday, January 2 (New Year's holiday observed)Monday, January 1Martin Luther King, Jr. DayMonday, January 17Monday, January 16Monday, January 15Washington's BirthdayMonday, February 21Monday, February 20Monday, February 19Good FridayFriday, April 15Friday, April 7Friday, March 29Memorial DayMonday, May 30Monday, May 29Monday, May 27Juneteenth National Independence DayMonday, June 20 (Juneteenth holiday observed)Monday, June 19Wednesday, June 19Independence DayMonday, July 4Tuesday, July 4**Thursday, July 4**Labor DayMonday, September 5Monday, September 4Monday, September 2Thanksgiving DayThursday, November 24***Thursday, November 23***Thursday, November 28***Christmas DayMonday, December 26 (Christmas holiday observed)Monday, December 25Wednesday, December 25**** ** On Monday, July 3, 2023, and Wednesday, July 3, 2024, At 1:00 p.m., each market will close early (1:15 p.m. for qualified options).  On these dates, Crossing Session orders will be accepted starting at 1:00 p.m. for continuous executions until 1:30 p.m., while the late trading sessions for NYSE American Equities, NYSE Arca Equities, NYSE Chicago, and NYSE National will close at 5:00 p.m. All times are in Eastern Standard Time.  *** On Friday, November 25, 2022, Friday, November 24, 2023, and Friday, November 29, 2024, each market will close early at 1:00 p.m. (1:15 p.m. for qualified options) (the day after Thanksgiving).   On these dates, Crossing Session orders will be accepted starting at 1:00 p.m. for continuous executions until 1:30 p.m., while the late trading sessions for NYSE American Equities, NYSE Arca Equities, NYSE Chicago, and NYSE National will close at 5:00 p.m. All times are in Eastern Standard Time.  **** On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, each market will close early at 1:00 p.m. (1:15 p.m. for qualifying options).   On this date, Crossing Session orders will be accepted starting at 1:00 p.m. for continuous executions until 1:30 p.m., while the late trading sessions for NYSE American Equities, NYSE Arca Equities, NYSE Chicago, and NYSE National will close at 5:00 p.m. All times are in Eastern Standard Time. FAQs What are the trading hours in the USA? The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, in particular, open at 9.30 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. ET (Eastern Time), a time zone that encompasses the Eastern states of the United States and parts of Canada. On weekends and holidays, the stock exchanges are closed. What time can Indians invest in USA stocks? Investing in India is critical to account for the time difference between the United States and India. The NYSE and NASDAQ open and close at 8 p.m. (IST) and 2.30 a.m. (IST) respectively.  What are Pre-market and after-hours trading hours in USA? Trading is done in the United States even outside of typical business hours. Pre-market trading runs from 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. ET, or 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. IST, while after-hours trading runs from 4 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET, or 1:30 a.m. IST to 5:30 a.m. IST. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

You've probably asked yourself this question repeatedly- 'why investing is important?'. While there are many reasons, the most significant is financial stability. Investing refers to channeling your money into different financial instruments to achieve profits and grow your capital. You can earn money in two ways - work for someone else or work on your venture. You sharpen your mind and different skills that help you earn money.   Another way to make money is by making your money work to get wealthier. Investing serves this purpose. This article will figure out a few reasons why investing is essential. What are the different ways to invest?  There are many ways to invest, for example, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, futures, precious metals like gold and silver, real estate, and other small businesses, or possibly a combination of all of the above.   Income can come in the form of appreciated value to the investment, dividend income or from, the sale of a business, or liquidity of any other of the above instruments. Beginners Guide to Education Inflation Read More Why investing is important?   Investing is essential for many reasons. For example, to create wealth that might help you in tough times or help you achieve goals.   And you also want to take advantage of the power of compounding, not forgetting inflation, so that your money is worth it over time.   If you plan to retire at some point in time, you must invest in getting a corpus for yourself to live your retired life in a hassle-free manner.  Wealth creation could mean having a certain amount of money in your bank account or having a particular value of assets under your name.  Let's see how investment helps in wealth generation. Why should you invest? Investment is a way to grow your money. The creation of wealth isn’t merely a goal; it will help you through your lifetime; In fact, it can help your future generations shape their future.   Investing will allow you to take advantage of the compounding power of money. For every rupee that you invest and earn, your investment base will grow, and thus grow; your capital will grow.  For example, we can take the 15 * 15 * 15 rule that we have read in another article; it is a powerful way to invest and achieve your financial and life goals.   Money sitting in your bank account loses its value over time because of rising prices in the economy. If prices are rising, your money will be bought less today than yesterday.   If there is inflation over 30-40 years, the value of your money is going to be reduced by a significant amount. Investing can help you beat inflation by earning more than what is lost by inflation - so that your money remains worth at least the same over time.   Retirement is also a valid reason for you to start investing. You need to have a large corpus to live off the last 20-30 years of your life.  Saving and investing for retirement requires careful planning and calculation of the amount you will need, and then proceed with an investing strategy.   Your child's future: In one of the previous articles, we talked about how important it is to save and invest for a secure future for your child.   Investing in your child's education and marriage requires investing in a well-phased manner with appropriate withdrawal options in times of need. Benefits of Investing   1. Returns on your investments  The greatest benefit of investing is the returns you gain in the long haul. Investing right, consistently, and early on can help any investor make good returns. While saving your money in a bank account is tempting and safe, it is not always the best option for your money. Make the most of your savings by learning the importance of investment.   From investing in Indian stocks, US stocks, index funds, and mutual funds to ETFs, the choices are endless. After determining your goals, preferences, and risk appetite, you can either invest on your own or approach a financial advisor to make the best possible decisions.    2. A chance to meet your financial goals   The importance of investment lies in what it can help you achieve! From building a house to financing your child’s education, you achieve them all with the right kind of investments. Once you have your financial goals in mind, a time horizon, and understand your risk appetite, you can start making investments.   You can start investing with as little as Rs. 100 and step up your investments as your income goes. There are many ways to invest such as SIP and lumpsum, you can either invest consistently every month or in one go.    3. A way to plan your retirement   Investing is also a means of creating a retirement fund for yourself sooner rather than later. By investing in mutual funds, you can create a retirement plan in the time horizon you want and make use of compounding that can double the returns. Another benefit is that investment helps you beat inflation.   4. Investing saves taxes Investing can help you save money on taxes as well. If you make an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh under Sec 80C to reduce your taxable income. You can invest in PPF, ELSS (Tax Saver Funds), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Fixed Deposits, and National Pension System (NPS).    5. Investing helps with big purchases  The greatest benefit of investing your money is that it can help you make big purchases. Whether it’s your child’s education, a retirement fund for yourself, buying a house, a luxury car, or taking a world tour. Good investments can help you make all these big purchases easily without taking a loan or digging into your current savings.   For example, you have 15 years till your child is off to college. You decide to save a small sum of money every month for the next 15 years and increase the investment every few months to achieve your set goal. By the end of these fifteen years, you will have built a sufficient education fund that your child can use and make their college dream a success without worrying about debts or loans. This is the power of investing and a good investment requires great market research, diversification, and attention to detail!   6. Beats Inflation   Inflation is the greatest villain in your financial journey. It gradually erodes the value of your money, increases the cost of all essential goods and services, and devalues your savings. Certain investments like gold, mutual funds, index funds, ETFs, and stocks have the potential to beat inflation. They have the potential to give you an interest above the estimated inflation rates in the years to come. This is not feasible if your money is in a savings account or stored away in an FD.   In fact, inflation affects certain areas of life more than others. Education, healthcare, and the oil industry are impacted most by inflation. The cost of education is rapidly increasing as a result of it – universities like Allahabad University have increased their tuition fees by 300% this year. This is just one example – pursuing medicine in India is a rich man’s dream now. It can cost you nearly 1 Cr to complete a medical degree from a private college today.    7. It acts as an emergency fund   Investments are also your emergency funds. A medical crisis, an emergency, or a job loss – investments can help you with a host of financial problems and ensure you are able to take care of your responsibilities with ease. Good investments are hard to manage on your own, you can always reach out to a financial advisor that can help you invest in funds that you can liquidate and use whenever the need arises. Remember investing and saving must go hand in hand if you want to meet your financial goals timely and successfully!   FAQs What are the different ways to invest? There are many ways to invest, for example, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, futures, precious metals like gold and silver, real estate, and other small businesses, or possibly a combination of all of the above. What are the benefits of investing? Benefits of Investing: Returns on your investments A chance to meet your financial goals A way to plan your retirement Investing saves taxes Investing helps with big purchases Beats Inflation It acts as an emergency fund What is the value of time in investing? Time is extremely valuable while investing. It helps you grow your wealth without the fear of sudden losses. It allows you to invest in assets that have long-term benefits. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services is a unique fund house that draws its inspiration from the Hammurabi Code. King Hammurabi (18th Century BC) is recognized as the world's first coder of social laws. Hammurabi's law stated that if a house collapses, causing the occupant's death, it is the builder's liability, and he must be executed. To demonstrate this conviction in their asset management methodology, the management motivated company insiders to buy units in the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund. Presently, company insiders hold 4.653 crore units, and the total amount they have invested is INR 156.41 crores. The management believes that when their own stake is involved in the fund, they will take informed decisions and never indulge in reckless behavior. The promoter of PPFAS Asset Management Company (PPFAS AMC) is Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. (PPFAS Ltd.). PPFAS Ltd. is a 1992-incorporated boutique investment advisory firm. It is also one of the oldest SEBI Registered Portfolio Management Service (PMS) providers in India. The PPFAS mutual fund's investment methodology is much different from other mutual fund houses operating in India. While most other companies run after algorithms, momentum, and technical analysis, PPFAS mutual fund relies on conventional metrics like cash flow, debt, price earnings, etc., to pick stocks with tremendous growth potential. Another unique thing about PPFAS mutual fund is that it stops accepting lump sum deposits from the public when equity valuations are extremely high. Generally, when the market is at its peak, retail investors get carried away and pour in money. While eventually, the market consolidates, investors grapple with monumental losses. PPFAS mutual fund's innovative fund management style intends to reduce losses and generate profits consistently. PPFAS AMC is headed by Mr. Neil Parag Parikh, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company. He holds 15,61,216 units in the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund. The Investment Manager of PPFAS Mutual Fund is PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited. The company was registered on 08/08/2011. Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services Private Limited holds 100% shares in the company. PPFAS mutual fund's Asset Under Management (AUM) grew to INR 2,871.87 Crore in the financial year 2019-20 from INR 1,961.51 Crore in the previous financial year. In the financial year 2018-19, the AMC had 80,289 investors investing in its various mutual fund schemes. The figure increased to 1,84,789 in the financial year 2019-20. PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited's operating income increased to INR 1,832.12 lakhs in the financial year 2019-20 from INR 1,538.31 lakhs in the previous year. The AMC's Profit before Depreciation, Tax, and Exceptional & Extraordinary items grew to INR 638.29 lakhs from INR 618.53 lakhs. And the Reserves & Surplus increased to INR 3,061.16 lakhs from 2,715.15 lakhs. Important information about PPFAS Mutual Fund Mutual Fund NamePPFAS Mutual FundInvestment ManagerPPFAS Asset Management Private LimitedEstablished10th October 2012Date of Incorporation8th August 2011Sponsor Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services Limited 81/82, 8th Floor, SakharBhavan, Ramnath GoenkaMarg, 230 Nariman Point,Mumbai-400021TrusteePPFAS Trustee Company Private LimitedChairman and Director, PPFAS Asset Management Private LimitedNeil Parag ParikhChief Executive OfficerNeil Parag ParikhDirectorRajeev Thakkar Shashi KatariaIndependent DirectorsKamlesh Somani Rajesh Bhojani Arindam GhoshChief Financial OfficerShashi KatariaCompliance OfficerPriya HarianiInvestor Service OfficerAalok MehtaStatutory AuditorsCVK & Associates, Chartered Accountants 2, Samarth Apartments, D S Babrekar Road,Off Gokhale Road (North), Dadar (West),Mumbai 400 028Tel. No: +91-22-24468717,+ 91-22-24451488Fax. No: +91-22-24466139BankersHDFC Bank Limited 81/82, 8th Floor, Sakhar Bhavan, Ramnath Goenka Marg, 230 Nariman Point - 400021Registered Address, PPFAS Asset Management Pvt.Ltd.81/82, 8th Floor, Sakhar Bhavan, Ramnath Goenka Marg, 230 Nariman Point Mumbai - 400021Phone 22-61406555 / 1800-266-7790Fax022-61406590Emailmf@ppfas.comWebsitehttps://www.amc.ppfas.comRegistrar & Transfer AgentComputer Age Management Services Ltd. Address: 7th Floor, Tower II, Rayala Towers, 158, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600002 Phone: 1800-3010-6767 / 1800-419-7676 Fax: 044-30407101 Email: enq_h@camsonline.com Website: www.camsonline.com Three top-performing Parag Parikh mutual fund schemes  1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund (formerly known as Parag Parikh Long Term Equity Fund) The Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, with a NAV of 38.8948 (Regular Growth) (as of 13th April 2021), is the top-performing fund in the 'Equity: Flexi Cap' category. This open-ended fund was launched on 28th May 2013 and has given trailing returns of 70.41% in one year (as of 13th April 2021). The fund considers the NIFTY 500 TRI as its benchmark.  Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 1,000Minimum Additional InvestmentINR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 1,000Minimum WithdrawalINR 1,000Exit Load2% for redemption before 365 days; 1% for withdrawals between 366 and 730 days; Nil for redemption after 731 daysReturn Since Inception (28th May 2013):18.81% (as of 13th April 2021)AssetsINR 8,182 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.86% (as of 28th February 2021) 2. Parag Parikh Liquid Fund The Parag Parikh Liquid Fund, with a NAV of 1,150.8854 (Regular Growth) (as of 14th April 2021), is the top-performing fund in the 'Debt: Liquid' category. This open-ended fund was launched on 11th May 2018 and has given trailing returns of 3.10% in one year (as of 12th April 2021). The fund considers the CRISIL Liquid TRI as its benchmark.  Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional InvestmentINR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 1,000Minimum WithdrawalINR 1,000Exit LoadNil for redemption after 6 daysReturn Since Inception (11th May 2018):4.92% (as of 14th April 2021)AssetsINR 1,243 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio0.26% (as of 28th February 2021) 3. Parag Parikh Tax Saver Fund The Parag Parikh Tax Saver Fund, with a NAV of 14.5112 (Regular Growth) (as of 14th April 2021), is the top-performing fund in the 'Equity: ELSS' category. This open-ended fund was launched on 24th July 2019 and has given trailing returns of 59.68% in one year (as of 12th April 2021). The fund considers the NIFTY 500 TRI as its benchmark.  Key Information Minimum InvestmentINR 500Minimum Additional InvestmentINR 500Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 1,000Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit LoadNil (Lock-in period - 3 years)Return Since Inception (24th July 2019):24.12% (as of 13th April 2021)AssetsINR 179 Crore (as of 31st March, 2021)Expense RatioINR 179 Crore (as of 31st March 2021) How can you invest in PPFAS Mutual Fund via EduFund? EduFund is a one-stop app for investing in the top-rated schemes of the PPFAS mutual funds. All transactions on EduFund are secured with international-standard authentication and encryption. Hence, hackers or malware can never infringe upon your financial privacy. Investing in PPFAS mutual fund is a straightforward six-step process Step 1: Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store, type 'EduFund,' and download the app. Step 2: Create an account by entering details such as name, email, and mobile phone number. Step 3: Browse the various PPFAS mutual fund schemes, view the Net Asset Value (NAV), and check the returns, expense ratio, nature (open-ended/ close-ended), date of launch, returns since inception, and other details. Choose the scheme that best suits your financial goals. Step 4: Choose an amount to invest. You can start with a lump sum of INR 5,000 or a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of INR 500. EduFund provides you with two options - Growth and Dividend. The dividend option will suit you more if you want to get a regular income. In contrast, the growth option is better if you are investing for getting a lump sum amount after a few years.  Step 5: When you invest in a scheme, the units get credited to your EduFund account within four (4) days. You can check the current value, NAV, balance, and other details in the app. You can also invest more, withdraw money, or switch to another fund. In case you need further help, EduFund's expert advisors are available to help you with the selection process.  Step 6: You are all set to witness the growth of your capital.  Three best-performing fund managers at PPFAS Mutual Fund 1. Mr. Rajeev Thakkar Mr. Rajeev Thakkar, Chief Investment Officer and Equity Fund Manager, at PPFAS mutual fund, joined the company in 2001. His professional journey started in 1994. He has extensive experience in asset management and capital markets. His specialties include investment banking, fixed income, Portfolio Management Services, and broking operations. Before joining PPFAS AMC, he worked as Manager of Fixed Income Securities at DIL Vikas Finance Limited for two years. He also worked with Prime Securities as Manager of Investment Banking for five years. Mr. Thakkar did his schooling at St. Xavier's High School and a Bachelor of Commerce from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics. He is also a Chartered Accountant (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) and CFA Charter (CFA Institute, USA). Mr. Thakkar manages the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund. 2. Mr. Raunak Onkar Mr. Raunak Onkar, Research Head of, PPFAS mutual fund, joined the company in January 2012. Before joining PPFAS AMC, he worked with Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services Limited as an Analyst and Intern (Research Trainee) between May 2008 and January 2012. He has more than ten years of experience in Equity Research, Portfolio Management, Research, Capital Markets, Valuation, Business Analysis, Investments, Finance, Hedging, Asset Management, and Mutual Funds. His educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Master in Management Studies Finance (University of Mumbai).  3. Mr. Raj Mehta Mr. Raj Mehta, Fund Manager, of PPFAS mutual fund, joined the company in August 2012 as a Research Trainee. Before joining PPFAS AMC, he worked with K.P. Mehta & Co. as an Article Assistant. His specialties include Equity Research Analysis, Financial Analysis, Financial Modelling, Auditing, Accounting, and taxation. Mr. Mehta did B.Com and M.Com from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics. He is also a CFA Charterholder and Chartered Accountant. He participates in various TV channels and writes for several financial publications.  Why should you invest in PPFAS mutual fund? PPFAS is a unique mutual fund house that offers only three schemes. They identify value-oriented stocks with solid fundamentals and invest. The best thing about PPFAS mutual fund's flagship scheme Flexi Cap Fund is that it invests in high-quality Indian and international companies that have delivered steady returns irrespective of market conditions. The fund managers at PPFAS AMC have a consistent track record of generating gravity-defying returns. Another exciting thing about PPFAS mutual fund is that it stops accepting lump sum public deposits when they find that the valuations are too stretched. Hence, you should consider investing in a PPFAS mutual fund scheme if you want to make decent profits over the long term. EduFund brings PPFAS mutual fund schemes to your fingertips. You can start investing with as little as INR 5,000 and benefit from the market upswings.  EduFund offers you the following distinct features: Customized Financial Plans - EduFund tracks all mutual fund schemes offered by mutual fund houses in India. It uses over 1 lakh data points and 400 financial situations to display the best mutual fund schemes for you. For every financial goal, you can get a personalized investment plan exclusively for you. Talk to a Financial Counsellor - EduFund's financial counselor employs time-tested methods to help you find the best scheme that suits your financial profile and goals. You can get free counseling about all your fund-related queries. Explore International Instruments - Besides Indian mutual funds, EduFund also provides you access to US Dollar ETFs and International mutual funds. You do not need any special account to invest in international financial instruments. EduFund's app is a one-stop destination for everything related to investments. Get Free Calculators - Your goals are unique. EduFund simplifies the more challenging task of calculation. You may use various free tools like the SIP calculator, College Savings Calculator, etc., to easily figure out the amount you will need to fulfill your goals and select the right mutual fund. EduFund uses bank-like security protocols to ensure 100% safe transactions. FAQs How can I invest in PPFAS mutual fund? Step 1: Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store, type 'EduFund,' and download the app. Step 2: Create an account by entering details such as name, email, and mobile phone number. Step 3: Browse the various PPFAS mutual fund schemes, view the Net Asset Value (NAV), and check the returns, expense ratio, nature (open-ended/ close-ended), date of launch, returns since inception, and other details. Choose the scheme that best suits your financial goals. Step 4: Choose an amount to invest. You can start with a lump sum of INR 5,000 or a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of INR 500. EduFund provides you with two options - Growth and Dividend. Why should you invest in PPFAS mutual fund? The fund managers at PPFAS AMC have a consistent track record of generating gravity-defying returns. Another exciting thing about PPFAS mutual fund is that it stops accepting lump sum public deposits when they find that the valuations are too stretched. What are some popular funds by PPFAS mutual fund? Parag Parikh Liquid FundParag Parikh Flexi Cap FundParag Parikh Tax Saver Fund Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT