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Did you know that in the enchanting city of Gwalior, education goes beyond exams, books, computers and classrooms? It's a luxurious affair: its schools offer sports like horseback riding, archery, and shooting which Indian royalty loved! Let’s look at some of the most expensive CBSE, ICSE, boarding, and IB board schools in Gwalior. The annual fee for these schools is enough to make you want to save! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQiFui_vZoY Schools in Gwalior Gwalior, a city steeped in history and cultural richness, has emerged as a prominent educational hub in Central India. With a diverse range of schools catering to varying curricula and pedagogical approaches, Gwalior offers a plethora of options for parents seeking quality education for their children. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the vibrant world of schools in Gwalior, shedding light on their unique characteristics, educational philosophies, and contributions to the city's academic landscape. Quality Education in CBSE and ICSE Schools  Among the many boards of education available in Gwalior, schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) hold a prominent place. These schools adhere to well-structured curricula, providing students with a strong academic foundation that is recognized nationally. Schools in Mussoorie Read More CBSE Schools in Gwalior  CBSE schools in Gwalior follow the curriculum set by the Central Board of Secondary Education, a national board known for its standardized approach to education. These schools focus on providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for national-level competitive examinations. They offer a wide range of subjects, extracurricular activities, and resources to ensure holistic development. Here are 10 prominent CBSE schools in Gwalior, along with their approximate average fees and brief information:  The Scindia School: One of the most prestigious schools in Gwalior, it is an all-boys boarding school known for its holistic education. The average annual fee may range from INR 5 lakhs to 7 lakhs.  Mayo College Girls' School: This renowned girls' boarding school is known for its academic excellence and extracurricular activities. The average annual fee is approximately INR 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs.  Delhi Public School (DPS): DPS Gwalior is part of the DPS Society and offers quality education. The average annual fee ranges from INR 1.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs.  Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1: A government-affiliated CBSE school with affordable fees, typically around INR 20,000 to 30,000 per year.  Campion School: Campion is a well-established CBSE school in Gwalior. The average annual fee is around INR 1.2 lakhs to 2 lakhs.  G.D. Goenka Public School: Known for its modern teaching methods and facilities, the average annual fee at GD Goenka may range from INR 2.5 lakhs to 4 lakhs.  Mount Litera Zee School: Offering quality education, this school may have an average annual fee of around INR 1 lakh to 2 lakhs.  Central Academy: A reputable CBSE school in Gwalior, it typically has an average annual fee of INR 40,000 to 60,000.  Aditya Birla Public School: Known for its strong educational foundation, the average annual fee at this school is approximately INR 1.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs.  Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2: Another Kendriya Vidyalaya in Gwalior with affordable fees, usually around INR 20,000 to 30,000 per year.  If you want to know what to choose for your child in terms of private or public schooling, you can read this article. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHO5JOKNty4 Schools in Dehradun Read More ICSE Schools in Gwalior  ICSE schools in Gwalior, on the other hand, follow the curriculum prescribed by the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education board. These schools emphasize a holistic education approach, placing significant importance on critical thinking, practical skills, and an in-depth understanding of subjects. The ICSE curriculum is known for its rigorous evaluation methods, which encourage students to think creatively and analytically. Here are 10 prominent ICSE schools in Gwalior:  The Sanskaar Valley School: An esteemed ICSE school known for its academic excellence and extracurricular activities. The average annual fee may range from INR 2.5 lakhs to 4 lakhs.  Gwalior Glory High School: A well-established ICSE-affiliated school in Gwalior, with an average annual fee of around INR 1.5 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs.  Columbia Convent School: Known for its holistic approach to education, the average annual fee at Columbia Convent may be approximately INR 60,000 to 1 lakh.  Little Angels School: This ICSE school focuses on providing quality education to its students. The average annual fee is typically around INR 40,000 to 60,000.  Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya: An exclusive girls' ICSE school, it offers a blend of academics and character development. The average annual fee may range from INR 2.5 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs.  Maharishi Vidya Mandir: Known for its Vedic education principles, the average annual fee at this ICSE school is approximately INR 40,000 to 60,000.  Delhi Public School (DPS): DPS Gwalior offers ICSE education as well. The average annual fee may range from INR 1.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs.  Saint Joseph's Convent School: This ICSE school has a reputation for academic excellence. The average annual fee is typically around INR 40,000 to 60,000.  Scindia Balika Vidyalaya: An exclusive girls' ICSE school affiliated with Scindia School, with an average annual fee ranging from INR 2.5 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs.  Cambridge School: Known for its quality education, the average annual fee at Cambridge School is approximately INR 60,000 to 1 lakh. Schools in Chennai Read More International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools in Gwalior  International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Gwalior follow a curriculum that is renowned for its academic rigor and emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals. The IB program includes the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP), catering to students from elementary to high school. IB schools focus on nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of global citizenship.  Here are 10 IB schools in Gwalior:  Sagar Public School, Gwalior: This school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The average annual fee for the DP program may range from INR 3 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs.  Delhi Public School (DPS), Gwalior: DPS Gwalior also offers the IB Diploma Programme in addition to other curricula. The average annual fee for the IB DP program may be around INR 2.5 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs.  The Heritage School: Known for its international curriculum, the average annual fee for the IB program at The Heritage School may range from INR 3 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs.  Gems Cambridge International School: This school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The average annual fee may vary but could be around INR 2.5 lakhs to 4 lakhs.  Shishukunj International School: Shishukunj offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The average annual fee for the IB programs may range from INR 2 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs.  Gwalior Glory High School: In addition to ICSE, this school also offers the IB Diploma Programme. The average annual fee for the IB DP program may be around INR 2.5 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs.  Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 (KV1): A government-affiliated school that may offer the IB Diploma Programme with a relatively lower fee, typically ranging from INR 30,000 to 50,000 per year.  Columbia Convent School: This school may offer IB programs with an average annual fee of approximately INR 2 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs.  Mount Litera Zee School: Known for its international curriculum, the average annual fee for the IB programs at this school may range from INR 1 lakh to 2.5 lakhs.  Maharishi Vidya Mandir: This school may offer IB programs with an average annual fee of around INR 1.5 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs. The Role of Parents in School Selection  In Gwalior, as in any city, parents play a pivotal role in selecting the right school for their children. Factors such as the school's location, fees, reputation, and teaching methodologies all weigh heavily in the decision-making process.  Parents often seek guidance from educational consultants, visit schools, attend open houses, and rely on word-of-mouth recommendations to make informed choices. Many parents also prioritize a school's extracurricular activities and facilities, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education. Considerations for Choosing CBSE Schools  National Recognition: CBSE certifications are widely recognized across India, making them suitable for families with potential mobility or those seeking national-level career opportunities for their children.  Structured Approach: CBSE schools are known for their structured curriculum and standardized assessments, which some parents believe provide a more predictable and competitive educational environment.  Focused Preparation: If a child aspires to engineering or medical fields, CBSE schools often offer a strong foundation for the required competitive exams like JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).  Considerations for Choosing ICSE Schools  Holistic Education: Parents who prioritize a well-rounded education with an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills may find ICSE schools in Gwalior to be an ideal choice.  In-Depth Understanding: The ICSE curriculum encourages students to delve deeply into subjects, fostering a thorough understanding of concepts rather than rote memorization.  Global Perspective: ICSE education is often considered more globally oriented, making it a potential choice for families with international career aspirations for their children. Schools in Bangalore Read More Boarding Schools in Gwalior   In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the world of boarding schools in Gwalior, shedding light on their distinctive features, the advantages they offer, and the role they play in shaping well-rounded individuals.  The Scindia School: An esteemed all-boys boarding school with an annual fee ranging from INR 5 lakhs to 7 lakhs.  Mayo College Girls' School: This girls' boarding school may have an annual fee of approximately INR 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs.  Gwalior Glory High School: A co-educational boarding school with an average annual fee of around INR 3 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs.  The Heritage School: Known for its international curriculum, the average annual fee for boarding at The Heritage School may range from INR 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs.  Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya: An exclusive girls' boarding school affiliated with Scindia School, with an average annual fee ranging from INR 3.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs.  Delhi Public School (DPS): DPS Gwalior offers boarding facilities with an average annual fee that may be around INR 3 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs.  Mount Litera Zee School: The boarding facility at Mount Litera Zee School may have an average annual fee of approximately INR 2.5 lakhs to 4 lakhs.  Columbia Convent School: The boarding facility at this school may have an average annual fee of around INR 2 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs.  Aditya Birla Public School: Known for its strong educational foundation, the average annual fee for boarding at this school is typically around INR 3 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs.  Scindia Balika Vidyalaya: An exclusive girls' boarding school affiliated with Scindia School, with an average annual fee ranging from INR 3.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs.  The Boarding School Experience in Gwalior  Boarding schools in Gwalior are as diverse as the city itself, offering a range of educational philosophies, curricula, and facilities. Some cater exclusively to boys, some exclusively to girls, and others are coeducational. The choice of a boarding school often depends on a family's values, preferences, and the specific needs of the student.  How can you keep up with Education Costs? The cost of education rises every year by 10-11%. The best way to keep up is to invest your money in options that beat this inflation. Mutual Funds tick all the right boxes in this arena. They allow you to park your money and provide healthy returns that can beat education costs. These are the top schools in Gwalior that you can shortlist for your kid’s future. Need help saving for these high fees? Then, download the EduFund App and find the best savings plan that can help you pay for these fees without breaking the bank.  Invest Now FAQs Which is the most expensive school in Gwalior? The most expensive school in Gwalior can vary depending on factors like curriculum, facilities, and reputation. Schools such as The Scindia School and DPS Gwalior are known for their premium fees and quality education. Is Gwalior a good city for students? Yes, Gwalior is a good city for students. It has a rich educational heritage with a variety of schools, colleges, and universities. The city's cultural and historical significance adds to the overall learning experience, making it an excellent choice for students. Is Gwalior a costly city for child education? The cost of child education in Gwalior can vary. While there are affordable options available, some schools, especially international and boarding schools, can be relatively costly. However, the city provides a range of educational choices, allowing parents to find options that suit their budget and preferences.

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With a quarterly average AUM of Rs 2.72 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 get to know about their UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Scheme.  About UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund  Investment Objective – The investment objective is to invest in stocks of companies comprising Nifty 50 Index and endeavor to achieve a return equivalent to Nifty 50 Index by “passive” investment. However, there can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme will be achieved.   The UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund does not take any active sector or stock exposure that deviates from the composition of the Nifty 50 Index.  Portfolio Composition  The scheme distributes the majority of its investments across financial services, Energy, IT, fast-moving consumer goods and automobiles.  Note: Data as of 29th February, 2024. Source: Value Research  Top 5 Holdings for UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund   Name Sector Weightage % HDFC Bank Ltd. Financial 10.98 Reliance Industries Ltd. Energy 10.29 ICICI Bank Ltd. Financial 7.68 Infosys Ltd  Technology 6.22 Tata Consultancy Services Ltd Technology 4.32 Note: Data as of 29th February, 2024. Source : Value Research  Start a goal for your child's college dreams! Performance Since Inception  Period UTI Floater Fund Nifty 50 TRI (%) S&P BSE Sensex TRI (%) 1 Year 28.03 28.49 24.58 3 Years  15.75 16.15 15.24 5 Years 16.22 16.64 16.48 Since Inception 11.91 12.82 13.03 Note: Data as of 29th February,2024 Source: utimf.com  Fund Manager  Mr. Sharwan Kumar Goyal, who has been managing the scheme since July-2018.  Mr. Ayush Jain is an assistant Fund Manager and has been managing the scheme since May-2022.  Why Invest in UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund?  The scheme is passively managed and invests in stocks that endeavour to generate returns in line with the underlying index, subject to expenses and tracking error. Further, the probability of generating alpha in large cap space is very low due to the availability of a smaller universe of stocks and large base size. Therefore, exposure to large-cap space is recommended through passive investing.  The fund with a track record of over 22 years one of the largest funds in the category fund with one of the lowest tracking error and tracking difference.   Who Should Invest in UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund?  This fund is suitable for Investors  Who are seeking steady capital growth in tune with the index returns.  Who are looking for passive investment in equity instruments comprised in Nifty 50 index.  Ideal Time to Stay Invested   The scheme is suitable for investors with a long-term investment horizon of at least 5 years.  Conclusion  UTI Nifty 50 Index fund is an index-based diversified equity scheme that has delivered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.56% since its inception and the scheme has a relatively lower expense ratio. The UTI Nifty Index Fund offers an accessible option for new investors with a limited budget to diversify their portfolios by investing in India's top 50 publicly traded companies.  Disclaimer: This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.  Invest Now

Planning the investment journey is an important decision that one makes in their lifetime. All of us invest to achieve important goals such a buying a house, buying a car, financing children’s education, getting married, retirement planning and many more. Apart from the financial element here, these goals are also emotionally important to us. As such, we make sure to put in the best research and invest our money. Mutual funds are a popular choice amongst investors, given their returns, liquidity and professional management. An important question that comes up in the minds of us investors here is, ‘What is the right time to invest in mutual funds? At the outset, let us answer this question – the moment you decide to start your investment journey is the right time to invest in mutual funds. Before we delve further into this, it is important we understand more about mutual funds. Let us begin with the basics! Investment in mutual funds can be done in 2 ways! SIP - Systematic Investment Plan   Lumpsum.  SIP – is a pre-decided amount that will be deducted periodically from the registered bank account on the specified date.  Lumpsum: a single sum of money, typically invested at one time rather than in smaller, periodic instalments.  Now let us look at the parameters that one should bear in mind before planning their investments (Note: these parameters are not all-inclusive but are among the important ones).  Purpose of Investment:  When you start investing; the investment objective should be clearly defined. Distinguish if your goal and its time horizon are definitive or flexible. If you aim for higher long-term returns, you should be open to taking on more risk and might consider investing in pure equity funds. On the contrary, if your goal is capital protection, you can consider low-risk investments that offer relatively lower returns.  Investment Horizon:  Different categories of mutual funds are available depending on your time horizon, with debt funds suitable for short-term and pure equity funds for a long-term horizon. Mutual funds do not come with any lock-in period except ELSS funds, which have a lock-in period of three years. An aggressive or riskier portfolio can be built if your investment horizon is longer, but if your investment horizon is relatively shorter, then conservative funds are more apt.  Let us understand the different horizons (Note: these serve only as a general point of reference and can vary based on personal factors)  Short-term Investment Horizon: The short-term investment horizon refers to an investment expected to last about one to two years. This investment would be appropriate for investors whose retirement is near, may need large sums of cash soon and need to park their money. Debt funds can be a suitable choice for this type of horizon as they are relatively less risky and can be liquidated more easily.   Medium-term Investment Horizon: The medium-term investment horizon refers to an investment expected to last about three to six years. This investment would be appropriate for investors who want to save for their personal goals such as buying a car, school/college fees or marriage. Given a medium-term horizon, hybrid funds can be considered suitable investments as they provide exposure to both equity, which provides higher return potential and debt, which provides portfolio stability.  Long-term Investment Horizon: The long-term investment horizon refers to an investment expected to last six or more years. Goals such as wealth creation, buying a house and a child’s education planning are generally considered long-term. Pure equity funds are appropriate instruments in the long term as volatility smoothens out, providing balanced risk-adjusted returns.   Risk tolerance: Every fund has different risk characteristics. Few asset classes are risky, such as pure equity funds, whereas other asset classes, like debt funds, are relatively less risky. Depending on its category and style of management, each mutual fund carries a unique amount of risk. An investor should decide which asset he can invest in depending on his risk appetite and financial ability.  Coming back to our primary argument of ‘What is the right time to invest?’ and why it is advisable to start as early as possible. The answer is simple – Compounding. Postponing the investment diminishes the power of compounding.  Let us understand the power of compounding with a simple example of three friends who invest Rs. 2000 per month. Their retirement age is 60, but they start investing at different ages.  Person Age Investment term (years) Investment Amount (INR) Future Total Value at Retirement (INR) A 25 35 8,40,000 1,29,90,538 B 30 30 7,20,000 70,59,828 C 35 25 6,00,000 37,95,270 Source: EduFundNote: Assumed rate of return is 12% p.a.  Even though they have all earned the same rate of returns per annum on their investment, A, who started investing early, has a considerably higher corpus at retirement. Another surprising fact is if ‘A’ stops his SIP when he is 55 (i.e. a 30-year period) and leaves that amount to compound till he is 60, he still would have a higher corpus than ‘B’ and ‘C’ of Rs. 1,24,41.828. Therefore, starting the investment journey early is a boon if you want to build a considerable corpus for your financial goals.  Join our WhatsApp community to learn more! To conclude, there is no perfect time that is ideal for an investment. We should cultivate the habit of investing regularly and with discipline. The two mantras to achieve your financial goals are: The best time to invest is now, and the best way to invest is regularly.  Start Early, Invest Now!

As they say, never put all your eggs in one basket. Suppose you do so; there is a chance that when the basket falls, all your saved eggs will be gone, and you will get nothing. But if you had kept all the eggs in different baskets, you could have saved a few of them. Analogous to the example of the eggs, diversification is essential when we plan our investments.  Asset allocation distributes your investments across available asset classes such as equity, debt, gold, real estate or holding cash. Asset allocation is based on factors such as your financial goal, risk appetite, and financial conditions, which change over time. Simply put, asset allocation is similar to a buffet dinner where a variety of tempting dishes are available, and you need to help yourself with some of them, depending on your tastes. By allocating your assets, you essentially adopt an investment strategy that balances your portfolio's risk and reward.  The first step towards asset allocation is setting your goal, examining your finances and understanding risk tolerance. Investors can engage with a financial planner to undertake risk profiling tests that accurately capture their risk appetite. The next step is to be aware of one’s financial commitments and then arrive at the investment required to meet financial goals.  Can't Miss This Opportunity: Groww Nifty Small Cap 250 Index Fund Benefits of Asset Allocation Optimal returns: Many investors are investing impromptu. Some investors are very conservative, and some are very aggressive, so they invest accordingly. As a result, they may not earn adequate risk-adjusted results on their investments. The right asset allocation will help provide efficient returns as investments will be diversified.    Minimize risk: While each asset class has its own risk and return. When you diversify your investment, it minimizes volatility. Asset allocation ensures that your portfolio risk is spread over various asset classes.  Lower stress: Spreading investment across various asset classes provides a cushion during a volatile market. Which ultimately keeps your stress lower as an investor. Proper asset allocation helps investors cope with volatility or loss better.   To help you better understand why asset allocation matters, let us look at the annual returns for different asset classes in 2018 and 2023.   Source: Mint Source - Mint  As evident from the above graphs, asset returns exhibit significant fluctuations annually. Some assets yield higher returns in one year, whereas others outperform in other periods. As seen in the above charts, small caps and mid-caps delivered negative returns in 2018, where gold delivered the highest return in the calendar year amongst all the asset classes. On the other hand, mid-caps and small caps were the top performers in 2023, where gold was at the fourth rank. So, if an investor invests only in one asset class, he risks losing his returns.  Consider two examples to understand this better:  An individual solely invested in equities in 2018 with the allocation as follows:   Large Cap – 50 %  Mid Cap – 25%  Small Cap – 25%  would have experienced a loss of 6.3% in their portfolio, potentially encountering significant challenges in meeting financial obligations.   On the other hand, a well-diversified portfolio with asset allocation of:   Equities – 70% (50% large cap, 10% mid and small cap each)  Gold – 15%  G Secs – 15%  would have positive returns of 1.72% in 2018. This is the benefit of asset allocation; a well-diversified portfolio reduces drawdowns during bear markets and enhances portfolio stability. This would enhance your ability to meet financial obligations in such periods, if any.   Want to learn more about investing? Join our WhatsApp community! To conclude, we know that the investment journey comes with many twists and turns. Markets inherently are volatile; they rise and fall over time. So, an investor should build a well-diversified portfolio wherein investments are allocated to the different asset classes to ride this wave of volatility. By prioritizing asset allocation in your investing approach, you'll steadily progress towards achieving your goals with each passing day.  Happy Investing! 

Sometime back, I encountered a mythological tale from the Mahabharata depicting the narrative of Draupadi, who married five husbands. The story told how Draupadi had asked Shiva for a husband with five qualities - virtue, strength, learning, charm and wisdom. Since no single man could possess all five traits, Shiva gave her five husbands, each with one trait. Similarly, in investing, we would like to have a singular option that provides a plethora of benefits, such as higher returns, reduced risk, professional management, no lock-in period, and accessibility. Luckily, here we have mutual funds to our rescue. Let's look at mutual funds, how they work, and the mutual fund fees and expenses to consider before you embark on your investing journey! Join our robust WhatsApp Community that helps parents invest! What is a Mutual Fund?  A mutual fund is a trust that pools the savings of several investors who share a common investment rationale. Fund managers associated with schemes manage the investors’ money by investing in securities to generate returns and charge fees for that return generated. The remaining return is passed on to the investors. A mutual fund investment involves several expenses, and you, as an investor, should be aware of these fees.   Cost of Delay Explained What are the fees associated with Mutual Fund Investment?  Here are all the mutual fund fees and expenses that you need to be aware of before you start your SIP (monthly) or place a one-time order. Entry load Entry load is the amount or fees an investor pays while entering the scheme. Entry load is collected to cover costs of distribution by the company. Earlier, different mutual fund houses charged different fees as entry load. However, according to the latest SEBI regulations, no fund house can charge an entry load from investors.  Exit load Exit load is the amount that Asset Management Companies (AMCs) charge when an investor is exiting or redeeming their funds. It is a fee charged by the fund house as a penalty for an early exit. The primary objective behind these fees is to discourage investors from pulling out their investments too early. The exit load differs from scheme to scheme. Generally, in India, equity schemes attract an exit load of 1% if the units are redeemed within a year from the date of allotment.  Transaction charges This charge is levied on an individual when they make investments. On average, a transaction cost of 100- 150 is levied on investments worth 10,000 and above. If investments are less than 10,000, then it does not attract these charges. Further, the government collects 0.005% of the overall purchase amount of all mutual fund schemes as stamp duty.   Expense ratio The expense ratio is the fees mutual fund companies charge to manage the mutual funds. It is expressed as a percentage of total capital invested. An expense ratio for an actively managed portfolio generally lies in the range of 0.5% to 0.75%; an expense ratio greater than 1.5% is considered very high.  For example, if the expense ratio is 0.5%, it implies that an annual payment is Rs. 50 is charged for every 10,000 invested. Here, it is essential to understand that the expense ratio is an annual fee charged if an investor retains ownership of the fund annually. Though presented as an annual fee, the amount is deducted daily on a pro-rata basis. When investors invest in regular schemes through distributors or brokers, AMCs pay these mediators a commission, hence in such cases the expense ratio will be higher.  Taxation on capital gains provided by Mutual Funds Knowing about taxes on your mutual fund investments is crucial. Profits from mutual fund investments are taxable. The holding period and type of mutual fund affect the tax rate on capital gains. The holding period refers to the time investors hold units in mutual funds.   Summary of Taxation of Mutual Funds for units to be acquired on or after 01st April 2023  Particulars Allocation of the Scheme to Domestic Equities is Less than or equal to 35% More than 35% but less than or equal to 65% More than 65% Type of Capital Gain Short term irrespective of the holding period Long term if units are held for more than 36 months Long term if units are held for more than 12 months Tax Rate Slab rate LTCG^ - 20% with the benefit of indexation LTCG - 10% of gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh without indexation benefit - STCG^ - Slab Rate STCG - 15%       Note: Surcharge and Education Health and Education Cess are applicable separately   STCG – Short-Term Capital Gain and LTCG – Long-Term Capital Gain  Remember to account for fees and expenses when investing. Awareness about all the charges you pay throughout your investment journey is necessary. Understanding these costs is crucial because it ensures transparency, impacts returns, helps manage costs and aids risk assessment. Thereby helping you better plan your financial goals.  Start Investing!

For international students seeking an exceptional education and a vibrant cultural immersion, boarding schools in the USA offer a compelling path. Renowned for their academic rigour, diverse student communities, and enriching environments, these institutions equip students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Top 5 Boarding Schools in the US for Indian Students Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire):This prestigious co-educational school offers a rigorous academic program with a unique Harkness Method, emphasizing active student participation and discussion. It boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong alumni network. (Estimated annual fees: $65,789 USD) The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville, New Jersey):This co-educational school fosters intellectual curiosity and global citizenship. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including the IB diploma, and encourages active participation in extracurricular activities and community service. (Estimated annual fees: $63,000 USD) Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, Connecticut):This historic co-educational school emphasizes academic excellence and character development. It offers a wide range of academic programs and boasts strong arts and athletics programs. (Estimated annual fees: $70,370 USD) The Taft School (Watertown, Connecticut):This co-educational school is known for its commitment to academic excellence and fostering well-rounded individuals. It offers a rigorous academic program alongside a variety of extracurricular activities and opportunities for leadership development. (Estimated annual fees: $77,250 USD) Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor, Connecticut):This co-educational school fosters academic curiosity and personal growth. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including the IB diploma, and encourages community engagement and social responsibility. (Estimated annual fees: $74,549 USD) Factors to Consider for Top US Boarding Schools Before embarking on this exciting journey, several crucial aspects deserve careful consideration. Academic requirements vary between schools, with some requiring standardized tests like the SAT or ACT and others conducting their own assessments. Researching these requirements and ensuring strong academic performance is paramount. The cost of attendance is another significant factor. While US boarding schools are known for their diverse range of options in terms of cost, it's essential to be prepared for a significant investment. Explore scholarship options offered by schools, the US government, or private organizations to potentially lessen the financial burden. Obtaining a student visa is vital for international students. Familiarize yourself with the application process and required documentation well in advance to avoid delays. Adapting to a new cultural environment can be enriching but also potentially challenging. Researching American customs and embracing the experience with an open mind will help ease the transition. Remember, many schools offer support services and resources to help international students adjust smoothly. Join our WhatsApp Community to learn more! Conclusion A US boarding school education can be a transformative experience, equipping students with academic excellence, cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships. With careful planning, research, and an open mind, international students can embark on a journey of academic and personal growth, preparing them to succeed in a globalized world. Remember, this blog serves as a starting point. Contact the schools directly and conduct thorough research to make the best decision for your unique educational aspirations. Start investing for your child's college!

Mutual funds are ideal investment options for both risk-aggressive and risk-averse investors as they help to achieve investment goals easily and effectively. Choosing the best mutual fund scheme irrespective of the various alternatives is a challenge in itself.  Both beginners and seasoned investors must take precautions while investing because of the immense risk involved. You do not want to throw away your hard-earned money on just a hearsay scheme or a fund that offers average returns, especially when you have a scope of earning higher returns at less risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlrsx9_yog 10 steps to Choose the Best Mutual Fund Scheme Step 1: Identify Investment Goals   Identify your investment goals by answering related questions like is the objective current income or long-term capital gain? Is the money for short-term like education expenses of children or future expenses like the retirement fund that is very far away? Identifying the investment goals helps to choose the mutual fund scheme that will fulfill the financial aspiration of the investor effectively. Step 2: Determine Risk Tolerance How much return are you expecting on your investment matters as it helps to determine whether the investor is a moderate or high-risk taker? Risk tolerance refers to the risk that the investor is willing to take with his investments.  It is now compulsory for all mutual fund houses to show the risk associated with the invested amount. Step 3: Look at the Time Horizon The time horizon is the period for which the investor desires to invest his money in a mutual fund scheme. It can be short or long term ranging from one day to even more than five years.  There are different fund categories meant for different time horizons and it is better to choose the best mutual fund scheme that will be able to meet your specific time horizons. Step 4: Focus on the Fund Type - Growth or Dividend Choose the fund type which is the best option to meet your specific needs. The growth option is best for long-term needs as it can handle higher volatility and risk factors. These funds also have greater potential for higher returns.  Dividend funds are short-term investment goals. They provide interest regularly and are considered stable investments with moderate returns. Step 5: Look at the Fees and Loads Some mutual funds charge a sales fee at either the time of purchase or sale of the investment known as a load. The purpose of the load is to cover the associated administrative charges and discourage turnover. Mutual fund houses levy various charges which are paid by the investors, who must know about them in detail before choosing the mutual fund scheme for themselves.  Step 6: Consider the Assets Under Active or Passive Management Determine the type of assets you want in your portfolio and then choose the mutual fund scheme accordingly.  Actively managed funds levy higher fees and try to outperform the benchmark index whereas passively managed funds levy lower fees and try to track the performance of a benchmark index. Step 7: Evaluate Managers and Past Results Conduct research about the fund's history by asking yourself whether the fund has suffered more volatility than other major funds and whether the fund manager was able to deliver the expected results.  Reviewing the fund’s prospectus gives a fair idea of its future and helps to choose the best fund. Step 8: Size of the Fund Although the size of the fund does not stop it from meeting the investment goals investors should keep it manageable for better handling. Step 9: Do not be Dependent Only on the History Although the fund history is an indicator of future performance it cannot guarantee high returns. Take related things into consideration like comparison with the benchmark index, fund types, fees, risk factors, etc. before making a viable choice about the mutual fund scheme you want to invest in. Step 10: Select What Matters Investors must focus on things that matter for instance expense ratios, investment strategy, risk factors fees, and a chance of future success. It is important to take the help of reputed platforms and understand the best ways of choosing the right mutual fund scheme for yourself.  The EduFund App along with the SIP calculator makes the process of choosing the mutual fund scheme an easy experience. Customer-friendly saving/ investment experts provide customized solutions, top-class security enables secured transactions, and a scientific fund tracker screens various financial scenarios to recommend the best out of the 4000+ mutual funds associated with the platform. Every investor wants to choose the best mutual fund scheme but they must consider their individual preferences, investment objective, risk appetite, and the fundamental features of the scheme before making a final decision. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6dthLxZnOH8 FAQs What are the key factors to consider when choosing a mutual fund scheme? Key factors include investment goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, fund type (growth or dividend), fees, assets management style, fund manager's track record, fund size, and various other critical parameters. How can one determine their risk tolerance? Risk tolerance is determined by the investor's willingness to accept risk for potentially higher returns. It can be assessed by evaluating how much volatility or fluctuation in investment value one is comfortable with. What is the significance of the time horizon in selecting a mutual fund scheme? The time horizon indicates how long you plan to keep your money invested. It's crucial because different fund categories are suitable for different time frames, and choosing the right one aligns with your financial goals. What are the fees and loads associated with mutual funds? Mutual funds may charge sales fees, known as loads, at the time of purchase or sale. Investors should also be aware of other fees like expense ratios, which cover administrative costs, and impact overall returns. Why is it important to consider a fund manager's past results? Evaluating a fund manager's track record provides insight into their ability to deliver expected results and manage the fund effectively. Past performance is one of the factors investors consider when making investment decisions. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Switzerland is known for its excellent education system. It is home to the most expensive school, The incredible Institut Le Rosey, also known as the "School of Kings". The estimated fee for this school is CHF 1,25,000 (1.17 crore in INR). Let's look at some of the most popular and expensive boarding schools in Switzerland for international students! Join our robust WhatsApp Community that helps parents invest! Most Expensive Boarding Schools in Switzerland Leysin American School: Nestled in the breathtaking Swiss Alps, Leysin American School offers a transformative learning experience amidst stunning natural beauty. With a diverse student body and a commitment to innovation, LAS provides a dynamic environment for academic and personal growth. Estimated fees: CHF 120,000 per year. Institut auf dem Rosenberg: Situated in the picturesque town of St. Gallen, Institut auf dem Rosenberg is renowned for its personalized approach to education and emphasis on holistic development. From world-class facilities to a global network of alumni, Rosenberg offers an unparalleled educational experience. Estimated base fees: CHF 93,000 per year, and individual fees are charged separately. This varies based on the student and starts at CHF 50,000 per year. Aiglon College: Perched on a mountainside overlooking Lake Geneva, Aiglon College offers a rigorous academic program combined with outdoor adventure and experiential learning. With a focus on character development and leadership, Aiglon prepares students to excel in a rapidly changing world. Estimated fees start at CHF 85,000 per year. TASIS Switzerland: Located in the picturesque village of Montagnola, TASIS Switzerland offers a unique blend of American-style education and European culture. With a diverse student body representing over 60 nationalities, TASIS provides a multicultural learning environment that fosters global citizenship. Estimated fees: CHF 100,500 per year for boarding children in middle and high school. Day scholars, it ranges between CHF 28,000 to CHF 53,000. Institut Le Rosey: Situated on a sprawling estate overlooking Lake Geneva, Institut Le Rosey is synonymous with luxury and excellence. With a history dating back over a century, Le Rosey offers a world-class education combined with a rich cultural experience. Estimated fees: CHF 1,25,000 per year. Brillantmont International School: Located in the heart of Lausanne, Brillantmont International School combines academic rigor with a supportive and nurturing environment. With small class sizes and personalized attention, Brillantmont offers a tailored educational experience that empowers students to reach their full potential. Estimated fees: CHF 90,500 for 8th and 9th grade, CHF 96,500 for 10th grade and CHF 103,500 for 11th, 12th and 13th graders. Benefits of Boarding Schools! Why you need to invest for your child's education? In today's fast-paced and competitive world, investing in your child's education is more important than ever. With the rising cost of living and limited financial resources, it's essential to plan ahead and secure your child's future. EduFund understands the challenges parents face and is dedicated to helping families achieve financial security through smart investments like mutual funds. By partnering with EduFund, parents can create a solid foundation for their children's education and ensure they have access to the best opportunities the world has to offer. Together, we can unlock a brighter future for the next generation. Invest Now

Know all about UTI Floater Fund and the UTI Asset Management Company. UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With an AUM of more than Rs 2.66 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 discuss the flagship product – UTI Floater Fund.  About UTI Floater Fund  Investment Objective – The investment objective of the scheme is to generate reasonable returns and reduce interest rate risk by investing in a portfolio comprising predominantly of floating rate instruments and fixed rate instruments swapped for floating rate returns.  Investment Process The scheme uses a systematic approach to debt investing, the “GIMS”, which is as follows:  Gate:  Encompasses issuer onboarding through rigorous analysis and research process  Aims to build the investment universe in line with investment policies  Investments:  Comprehensive fund strategy framework  Incorporates Fund Strategy and Style, Risk management Framework and Potential Risk Class Matrix  Risk Limits are central to strategy  Monitoring & Surveillance:  Monitoring and review of the investment universe, Market Data Analytics, Early Warning Signal (EWS) parameters, Use of external sources for added surveillance, Automation for increased efficiency  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio comprises 93.03% allocation in debt, and the remaining 6.69% is held in cash and cash equivalents.      Note: Data as of 30th November, 2023.  Source: Value Research  Top 5 Holdings for UTI Floater Fund   Name Instrument Weightage % National Housing Bank Debenture 7.79 Debenture 8.80 Canara Bank CD Certificate of Deposit 8.65 Reserve Bank of India T-Bills 182-D 29/02/2024 Treasury Bills 6.92 Small Industries Devp. Bank of India Ltd CP Commercial Paper 6.87 Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd CD Certificate of Deposit 6.62  Note: Data as of 30th November, 2023.  Source: Value Research  Performance Since Inception  Period UTI Floater Fund CRISIL Low Duration Debt Index (%) CRISIL 10 Years Gilt Index (%) 1 Year 6.70 7.50 6.77 3 Years  4.45 5.43 2.93 5 Years 5.85 6.57 5.96 Since Inception 5.87 6.65 6.30  Note: Data as of 30th November,2023  Source: utimf.com  Fund Manager  Mr.Sudhir Agarwal is the Fund Manager and Executive Vice President & Fund Manager-Fixed Income at UTI AMC Ltd. He joined UTI AMC in 2009 after four years of experience. He is a CFA Charter holder from CFA Institute, USA, and holds a post-graduate Diploma in Management and a master’s in commerce. He is a Fund Manager managing various debt schemes.  Why Invest in UTI Floater Fund?  The scheme aims to generate accrual income by investing in high-quality debt and money market instruments, which are hedged using OIS swaps.  The scheme is positioned to capture yield movement in the 6 to 12-month segment.  The scheme maintains a moderate duration to reduce interest rate volatility.  Who Should Invest in UTI Floater Fund?  This fund is suitable for Investors  Who are seeking for reasonable income and liquidity over the near to short term.  Who are looking to diversify their fixed-income portfolio.  Ideal Time to Stay Invested   Ideal for investment with a time horizon of 6 to 12 months.  Conclusion  UTI Floater fund is an open-ended debt scheme predominantly investing in floating rate instruments. The portfolio of this fund is High-Quality accrual oriented and is positioned to capture yield movement in the short term. Thus, investors who want to park their money for a short period with low to moderate risk metrics can consider this fund for investment.  Disclaimer: This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.  Create a goal for your child's future

Ever wondered why advisors recommend early investing? Why it is more beneficial to start investing at 25 vs 35 years? Let's find out the benefits of early investing and why you should start today! Ah, the investing world. It's a world where market crashes call out your name and compound interest whispers sweet nothings, a place of late-night fears and possible fortunes. But there's no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating this world.  In general, investment is about more than just making money; it's also about safeguarding your future, accomplishing your objectives, and building financial security. Your quality of life and peace of mind may be greatly enhanced by it, even though there is some danger and continuing education is needed. Investing is essential for many reasons, impacting your financial future and overall well-being. There’s no age bar for investing at what age you should start investing, but the earlier you start, the better return you will get. Let’s understand investing with two different ages just to get a clear idea.  Your decisions at 25 will (and should) look vastly different from those at 35. So, let's grab a metaphorical cup of coffee and dive into the exciting differences between investing at 25 and 35.  Risk Tolerance:   At 25, You have less of a financial cushion, but you're flexible and young. So you have more time on hand, and hence, you have a bigger risk appetite. It's affordable for you to try new things, make errors, and grow from them skillfully.  But by the time you're 35, obligations start to pile up like driftwood down the riverside. The presence of children, mortgages, or elderly parents influences your risk tolerance. You're creating a nest egg for others who rely on you. This necessitates taking a more cautious approach and putting your capital protection first while aiming for respectable returns.  Investment Goals:  Your aspirations at 25 are as diverse as a kaleidoscope. Perhaps your savings are going toward that new gadget, a dream vacation, or a down payment on your first house. It is advisable to be flexible here to modify your investment plan as your goals change.  The goalposts change at 35. Your finances should take that into account as retirement becomes a tangible goal. You must begin planning and assembling a portfolio that will last you many years after your retirement.  Time Horizon:  Consider your investment horizon as a water body. When you're 25, retiring seems like an infinite stretch of ocean before you. You can now afford to take on greater risk while keeping a part of your portfolio for long-term investments. Time is on your side, and that's most precious, isn’t it?  The water starts to flow more quickly at 35. Retirement is drawing near, and still, you have a long way to go; the situation now calls for a more sensible strategy. You need resources and knowledge that support growth in addition to stability, a stable boat that can handle both calm seas and rough rapids.  Power of compounding:  Here, let us understand the power of compounding and the benefits of early investing with a comparison of two different investors with different age groups.  Age 25 years 35 years Standard Target Age 55 years 55 years Monthly SIP Amount ₹10,000 ₹10,000 SIP period 30 years 20 years Expected Return Rate 12% 12% Invested Amount 36,00,000 24,00,000 Wealth Gained 3,16,99,000 75,91,000  Total wealth 3,52,99,000 (Approx) 99,91,000 (Approx)  This comparison shows how important it is to start investing early as the difference in the investment period is just ten years, and the difference in total wealth due to that is more than 2,50,00,000.  Over a more extended period, the corpus upon retirement increases significantly, even with a smaller monthly SIP. The analogy also highlights how crucial it is to modify your investing approach following changes in your age and level of risk tolerance.   Conclusion Overall, investment is about more than just making money; it's also about safeguarding your future, accomplishing your objectives, and building financial security. Your quality of life and peace of mind may be significantly enhanced by it, even though there is some danger, like future unpredictability.  Remember that investing is a process rather than a destination. Begin modestly - make consistent investments, and, if necessary, seek professional advice. You can create a better and more secure tomorrow by managing your money now. 

There is an ongoing debate on the topic of debt mutual funds vs FD to determine which is the better savings option. The normal mentality of a common person has been to invest in FDs as it is convenient and safe with fixed returns, but with time the thought process has shifted in favor of debt mutual funds as they offer good returns compared to FDs.  Let us discuss the topic in detail depending on different parameters to understand the best possible option from the investor’s viewpoint. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4gmR-U_vHA Differences between debt mutual funds vs FD 1. Capital protection In terms of capital protection FDs have an advantage over debt mutual funds. According to the RBI directive, a bank depositor has a protection cover of a maximum of 5 lakh for both principal and interest in case the bank fails. If the depositor has FDs in different banks, then the protection cover will apply to all the banks separately.  Debt funds do not include capital protection as the investors are faced with credit risk and interest rate risk.  2. Safest Instruments FDs are the safest instruments for investible surplus as they are protected by RBI guidelines. In contrast, debt mutual funds are subjected to market risk as the underlying securities are exposed to market fluctuations and capital erosion.  3. Interest rates and returns The interest rates of FDs remain fixed until their maturity date, irrespective of any changes in the rate over that period. The expected return of the investment thus remains the same as before. Suppose an investor has opened an FD for two years at 6% per annum, then the rate will remain fixed throughout the whole tenure even if the bank has increased or decreased the rate in the interim period, and they will be paid the same amount of money which was calculated at the start of the investment.  In the case of debt mutual funds, the returns depend on interest income and capital gains from the underlying securities.  4. Rate of returns  In the case of debt mutual funds vs FDs, the estimated rate of returns for debt mutual funds is generally 7% - 9% and for FDs is an estimated 5% to 8%. Although FDs have a fixed return and debt, mutual funds do not come with assured returns.  5. Short-term holding period The average rate of return of FDs is considered better than that of debt funds in the short haul as the former manages to outperform the latter.  6. Long-term holding period When the holding period is long-term, then it is better to invest in debt mutual funds than FDs. Even if the interest rates do not fall within that period, the corporate bond funds would easily beat the FDs in the same period.  7. Inflation-adjusted returns In debt mutual funds vs FDs, the FDs usually have low inflation-adjusted returns, whereas the debt mutual funds show potential for high inflation-adjusted returns.  8. Dividend option There is no dividend option on FDs, whereas the answer is yes for debt mutual funds.  9. Taxation The taxation on debt mutual funds is lower than the fixed deposits. Despite the TDS deductions by the bank, the interest income from FDs is included in annual income and taxed according to a person’s tax slab.  In debt funds, the returns on investment within 3 years are treated as short-term capital gains. It is included in annual income and taxed according to the individual’s tax slab. The returns on investments after three years are treated as long-term capital gains and are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.  10. Premature withdrawal In debt mutual funds, premature withdrawal is allowed with exit load/no load, whereas in FDs, it is allowed with a penalty.  Banks generally levy a penalty of 1% on premature withdrawal of FDs, and the amount is deducted from the effective rate of interest. In debt funds, except for the fixed maturity plan, which restricts redemption, all the other funds are allowed withdrawal by paying a minimum amount of exit load.  11. Cost of investment The banks do not charge a fee for opening or maintaining an FD account. On the other hand, mutual fund houses charge multiple fees like commissions, management fees, legal fees, etc., for operating the debt funds.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hXeSyWLiZ4 Conclusion If you want to know who is the winner in debt mutual funds vs FDs, then both have advantages and disadvantages. FDs have the upper hand in terms of capital protection, safe investments, income certainty, and investment cost compared to debt mutual funds. In comparison, debt mutual funds are better options in terms of premature withdrawal, dividend options, long-term investments, taxation, and rate of return. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

If you have asked yourself how to find a financial advisor for financial planning then you are on the right path! Managing your finances is tough; there are taxes to consider, investments to make, and assets to maintain. And, a financial advisor can help you plan a sustainable financial map for your future and unique goals.   Investing and maximizing the value of your wealth is the ultimate goal. Every individual must take care of his or her finances to have a safe and comfortable retirement. Financial advisors can help you with a retirement plan and on how to achieve financial goals like buying a house, or car, financing your child’s education, and the best asset classes to invest in. Things to know before finding financial advisor for financial planning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlrsx9_yog&t=1s Services offered by advisors and planners  According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Financial Planners, it has been estimated that only 30% of investors have a paid financial advisor. Moreover, 57% of the total number of people prefer managing their own money. Also, 95% of people who have opted for financial advisors believe that it was a good decision to invest in them.   While evaluating a financial advisor, make sure that you got through the kinds of services and plans that they offer. It will be extremely helpful to manage all of your finances and financial habits about it. Reasons to seek financial advice  A financial advisor can help you manage your money better. For example, perhaps you just received a considerable sum of money from a relative who died or a windfall from the state lottery. Financial advisors can help you manage this money, and suggest some tax-saving investments to secure your funds and grow your wealth.   Financial advisors can help you meet different goals. For example, if you are blessed with a baby and you want to ensure that his or her future is completely secured, you would want to start saving and investing for him or her. Whether it’s buying a bigger house for your child or building an education corpus, financial advisors can create a feasible plan to help you meet those needs.   The approach to investing at or during retirement is different from that of a young worker. As you near retirement, your risk tolerance level will change, and your investing style should change as well. Discuss what you want to do in your retirement, where you want to settle, and the future costs of living with your advisor Additional read: Importance of an optimistic mindset in mutual funds investments Investment management  Financial planners or advisors are those people who help individuals and businesses to create a proper investment plan that helps them meet their agenda and goals. For example, if you are looking for help in creating a savings plan for yourself, preparing investment strategies for your portfolio, paying off debts, and so on, a financial advisor could be of great help. You can go for reputed or startup firms with professionals who have the proper knowledge and understanding of finance. These firms have individuals and teams who can be extremely helpful.  Additional read: Investment strategies in a volatile market Understand the compensation of financial advisors  There are multiple ways that financial advisors can choose to charge for their services. Financial advisors focus on the most objective and unbiased thing which is their fee. To hire a financial advisor who suits your needs, you should be knowing all the ways through which you can pay the financial advisor.   There are broadly two ways of compensation which are fee-only and non-fee only. As we can understand from the term, the fee-only advisor sticks to charging a fee for their work whereas the non-fee advisors go for other kickbacks and incentives for their services.   Financial advisors can help you understand your goals better and align your expenses to achieve them. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Mutual funds are one of the most preferred avenues for multiplying investments over the years. Hence it is important to track the performance of mutual funds for that you must understand the necessary risk elements associated with it. Mutual fund houses release the performance sheet of the funds every month. Investors should track performance by multiplying the fund units with the current NAV and adding the received dividends. Comparing this amount with initial projections helps to identify whether the ongoing mutual fund is in alignment with the set financial goals or not.  Investing in a mutual fund scheme is not the end game as it will not ensure the achievement of your investment goals. Investors must track performance and review regularly to determine whether that specific scheme can meet their investment needs adequately. Track the performances of mutual funds Different parameters and tools to track the performance of mutual fund schemes include- 1. Mutual fund ratios Mutual fund ratios like standard deviation, Sharpe ratio, alpha, beta, and concentration ratio are primary tools to assess, analyze, and track the performance of mutual funds. The numerical figures help to identify and compare vital information in simple terms so that the investors can understand the overall scheme. For example, a positive alpha means that the scheme is profitable as it has surpassed the benchmark index. Similarly, a higher Sharpe ratio signifies the potential for higher returns and encourages investors to opt for the scheme. Start Investing in Mutual Funds 2. Fund fact sheet A fund fact sheet is published by the AMC every month to show the growth of the investments. Keeping track of this report card helps investors to know how the money is allotted in different schemes, the size of the investment, and overall fund performance in terms of standard deviation, beta, CAGR, and Sharpe ratio.  The fund fact sheet lists all the schemes in an easy-to-read manner and compares the mutual funds in the same category. Investors can know about the fund’s performance and turnover compared to other schemes.  3. Historical returns One of the simplest ways to track performance is by comparing and checking the historical returns for at least 5 – 15 years. These act as viable scorecards and allow investors to check the returns over a specific period.  Investors must treat historical returns as performance indicators to look for consistency and solid fundamentals in the schemes.  A regular spike in returns shows that it is the right mutual fund for investing and a one-time occurrence acts as a red flag and urges investors to stay away from it.  How to Start Investing in Mutual Funds? Read More 4. Portfolio composition Tracking mutual funds through portfolio composition helps to check the portfolio holdings. It also helps to verify whether the stocks included in the portfolio can generate higher returns and comply with the risk profile that the investor had foreseen at the time of investing.  Portfolio composition is used to understand whether the scheme is made of quality assets and whether it can handle short-term market volatility.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlrsx9_yog&pp=ygUHZWR1ZnVuZA%3D%3D 5. Expense ratio The expense ratio is the overall expenses incurred in the mutual fund schemes charged to the investor. It minimizes the NAV and thus has a direct impact on the returns.  A lower expense ratio means higher returns because of minimum commission or intermediary fees. Using this tracker helps to choose the funds that will give the highest possible returns.  5. Peer factor One of the simplest ways to track the performance of your mutual fund is by comparing it against peer performance.  Investors must compare the scheme in the same category to get accurate results, for example, compare a blue-chip fund like Axis Blue Chip Fund with SBI Blue Chip Fund to know which one is showing better results.   6. Benchmark performance Keep track of the investment by comparing it with the benchmark performance. Investors can know whether the fund is showing a good performance by outperforming the benchmark index or if it is a below-par investment. A higher benchmark index means lower returns and vice-versa. When a mutual fund generates more returns than the benchmark index then it is the right fund for investing.  7. Risk-adjusted returns Track performance by comparing two funds with similar returns. The risk-adjusted returns help to identify and choose the fund with less risk option. Investors should be aware that funds with low risk than the benchmark will yield low returns and more risk will generate higher returns.  8. Rolling returns Checking the average of rolling returns helps to maintain the consistency of the mutual funds. It tracks the fund’s behavior in terms of volatility, loss proportion, and outperformance.  When the rolling returns are higher than the benchmark, it means that the investment will yield better results.  9. Online portfolio trackers Online portfolio trackers help to track and monitor mutual fund investments in a hassle-free way. The online platforms provide an updated value of all the investor’s funds.  A perfect example is EduFund’s scientific fund tracker which helps to track and monitor more than one lakh data points and 400+ financial situations. The RIA-registered app uses 128-SSL security for tracking transactions in a safe environment.  Advantages of tracking the performance of mutual funds Both new and seasoned investors should track the performance of mutual fund schemes for the following reasons- The mutual fund industry assures good returns but every scheme will not give high returns. Tracking performance and comparing the different schemes help to identify and choose the best scheme with consistent returns. Tracking performance regularly helps to stay in the loop and determine whether the funds are giving the expected returns. Investors can either add more units, stay invested, or switch to profitable funds based on the performance of the fund. Understanding key investment Metrics for Mutual Funds When considering mutual funds for your child's education, it's important to assess various metrics that provide insights into the fund's performance, risk, and suitability. Here are key factors to consider:  1. Alpha: Alpha measures a fund's performance relative to its benchmark after accounting for market risk. A positive alpha indicates the fund has outperformed the benchmark, potentially adding value to your investment.  2. Beta: Beta quantifies a fund's sensitivity to market movements. A beta of 1 suggests the fund moves in line with the market, while a beta greater than 1 indicates higher volatility and less than 1 suggests lower volatility.  3. Expense Ratio: The expense ratio represents the annual fee charged by the fund to manage your investment. Lower expense ratios are generally preferable as they impact your returns over time.  4. Do a Comparison of Similar Funds: Comparing similar funds helps you identify top performers within the same category. Analyze factors such as historical returns, risk measures, and fund manager track records.  5. Rolling Returns: Rolling returns provide insights into a fund's consistency over different time periods. Look for funds with consistently positive rolling returns, indicating sustained performance.  6. Sharpe Ratio: The Sharpe ratio assesses a fund's risk-adjusted returns. Higher Sharpe ratios imply better returns for the level of risk taken. Consider funds with higher Sharpe ratios within their category.  7. Consider Market and Economic Cycles: Understand that markets and economies go through cycles. Choose funds that have shown resilience across different cycles. Funds that perform well in various market conditions might provide better stability for long-term goals.  8. Risk Tolerance: Evaluate your risk tolerance. For long-term goals like funding education, you might accept a slightly higher risk for potentially higher returns. However, ensure the risk aligns with your comfort level.  9. Investment Horizon: The time until your child's education is a crucial factor. Longer horizons can accommodate more volatility, allowing for potential recovery from market downturns.  10. Diversification: Consider funds that offer diversification across sectors and asset classes. Diversification can help mitigate risk and enhance the potential for stable returns.  11. Past Performance vs. Future Outlook: While past performance provides insights, remember that it's not a guarantee of future success. Analyze a fund's strategy, manager's approach, and economic trends.  12. Professional Advice: Consult a financial advisor who can assess your financial situation, goals, and risk appetite. They can recommend suitable funds and help tailor a portfolio to your child's education needs.  Incorporating metrics into investment decisions When selecting mutual funds for your child's education, utilize these metrics collectively. Prioritize funds with favorable alphas, lower expense ratios, and consistent rolling returns. Balance risk and reward by considering beta and Sharpe ratios. Conduct thorough research perform due diligence, and consult a financial advisor to make informed decisions that align with your child's education goals. Remember that investments carry inherent risks, and diversification is essential for managing these risks effectively.  Conclusion Investors can use the above-mentioned tools to track the performance of their mutual fund schemes. Due diligence helps to measure the profitability of the fund, conduct informed decisions, and keep hard-earned money safe. TALK TO AN EXPERT