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

Which is the better investment option for a daughter -  MFs or girl-child schemes?  Indian parents are often on the lookout for the right kind of investment schemes that will lessen the financial burden of education and marriage expenses of their girl child. They want to safeguard their child’s future and hence try to create a financial corpus as security for the days to come.  Before entering into a discussion about MF vs Girl Child Schemes, let us know about each of them in brief. What is Mutual Fund or MF? Mutual Fund refers to investment vehicles that accumulate money from several investors for buying a portfolio of various securities. The portfolio includes several options like real estate, bonds, stocks, or a combination of different investments.  Investing in mutual funds is considered beneficial in recent times because of the high returns on investment. The most common drawback of a mutual fund is the high fees of the investor but this can be mitigated by choosing the right investor.  You can take the help of the EduFund App to reduce excessive charges with the help of saving experts.  What are Girl Child Schemes? Girl child schemes are investment plans that offer benefits to the girl child. These are divided into two categories: State Government Schemes and Central Government Schemes. Some of the highly popular ones are Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, West Bengal Kanyashree Prakalpa, and Dhanlalakshmi Scheme.   The girl-child investment plans help parents to accumulate money so that it can later meet the financial requirements of the girl child. Mutual fund vs Girl child schemes Both Mutual funds and Girl Child Schemes serve the same purpose and that is to act as investment vehicles. Parents often take the help of either of these or both to create an appropriate portfolio that will be able to meet the desired needs of their girl child.  Let us make comparisons and also see the difference between the two based on certain parameters. 1. Interest rates Both schemes offer higher interest rates that lead to more savings. Girl child schemes generally offer a return of 7% to 8.6% whereas mutual funds offer returns of 12% to 14% easily in the long run.  2. Saving on taxes Gains on equity funds, LTCG, ELSS, and dividends received on mutual funds can be claimed as tax-exempt as mutual fund investments up to INR1.5 lakh per annum are under tax deduction. All the girl child schemes are exempted from tax to benefit the girl child. 3. Low minimum investment  Both schemes have the option of low minimum investment. Some investors have waived the minimums and individuals can now invest as low as $1 or INR 100. There is already a fixed minimum value for a girl child scheme be it INR 200 0r INR 500 or INR 1000 and investors have to start with that amount only.  The Edufund App gives its investors the option of starting mutual fund schemes or SIP at INR 100 only.  4. Terms and conditions The terms and conditions of the girl child schemes are straightforward with no room for any assumption. Mutual fund schemes are subject to market change and should be read properly by investors.  5. Limitation of amount The minimum and maximum amount of investment in girl child schemes are pre-decided and you cannot go above or below the said amount. Mutual funds on the other hand give the option of deciding the minimum and maximum amount by yourself as per your ability.  6. Flexibility Girl child schemes do not offer any flexibility whereas investors can choose from a broad spectrum of mutual funds schemes.  7. Premium In several girl-child schemes, the premium is waived off in case the policyholder dies prematurely, whereas that is not the case with a mutual fund. 8. Safe and secure Although mutual funds are considered safe investments with greater returns, in the long run, girl-child schemes are a better option for conservative investors who are more concerned with the safety of their investments than high returns.  9. Partial Withdrawals Several girl child schemes allow investors to withdraw partially after a specific period but mutual funds schemes have a specific lock-in period and cannot be withdrawn partially.  Conclusion In the discussion between MF vs Girl Child Schemes, both the schemes are meant to benefit the investor at the end of the day. If the investor is ready to take a certain amount of risk with their investment then they can create a financial corpus of a good amount through mutual funds. But, if they are looking for a safe investment vehicle then girl-child schemes are the best option. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Mutual fund companies offer flexibility to invest in their schemes through SIP (Systematic Investment Plan). While some choose the date of SIP based on their salary credit, others may try to time the market by selecting specific dates based on different factors one may choose to invest at the end of the end because of the high volatility and F&O expiry of the month-end contract. So, is there a best date for SIP investment? In this blog, we’ll see whether the date of SIP will make a huge difference or not. Read on!! We have analyzed the data of the past ten years, from Jan’11 to Sep’22, of BSE Sensex based on daily returns to understand it in a better way. Note: When there is a holiday, the date of the previous/next working day has been considered.Source: BSE, EduFund Research Team The above calculation shows that there is hardly a marginal difference in returns based on the period under observation. So, there is no strong relationship between the SIP date you choose and the returns. Any date will work if you are investing through SIP. Experts suggest that one should never try to time the market; instead, remain invested with discipline over a longer period to get the most benefit of compounding. SIPs are designed to deal with the volatility in the market. SIP helps your investments to average out the cost of buying, which is called rupee cost averaging. This helps investors to buy mutual fund units at lower prices and higher, which averages out the cost of buying the units. What is Compounding? Compounding works as a multiplier in your investment. You not only get the returns on the invested amount but also get the returns that keep getting added back to your invested amount. In short, earning returns on principal & returns as well. The best thing about compounding is that at one point your amount of returns will be more than your invested amount. What is the rupee-averaging cost? In this concept, a fixed amount is invested at regular intervals. This allows you to buy more units of a mutual fund when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high. Over the period, this averages out the cost of buying. Timing the market is challenging. The market goes through different phases, and you never know when the market is going to rise or fall. So, disciplined investing will help you to accumulate wealth over the period. When we try to time the market, we invest with emotions which can lead to wrong decisions. SIP helps to ignore all these factors and helps to invest regularly. Conclusion SIP can do wonders with your investments if you do discipline and regular investing over a longer period without thinking of the date, by Just following the normal process. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Equity vs Debt Funds which one is better is an ongoing discussion between investors who are interested in mutual funds as their investment vehicles. Although both these funds are good investment schemes each of them behaves differently when it comes to various parameters like returns, taxation, duration, and investments.  The selection of a specific fund depends upon personal preference, risk appetite, and the financial goal of the investor.  Some investors find it difficult to distinguish between equity funds and debt funds. Let us get a better understanding of both investment options so that the knowledge can help to make viable decisions. What is an Equity Fund? Equity funds are mutual fund schemes with investments in company shares and related securities like derivatives (futures and options) that trade in the stock market and have the potential to grow rapidly. The objective is capital appreciation and dividend-paying stocks that provide an income to the investor.  Equity funds are categorized as large-cap, small-cap, mid-cap, and thematic funds. When a fund manager invests more than 65% of the portfolio in stocks it is considered an equity fund. What is a Debt Fund? Debt funds are mutual fund schemes with investments in securities and money market instruments that generate fixed income. These are corporate bonds, commercial papers, treasury bills, non-convertible debentures, certificates of deposit, and government securities.  Debt funds are secure investments, with lower returns and a fixed maturity period. Differences between Equity vs. Debt Fund 1. Instruments Equity funds invest in company shares traded in the stock market and securities and derivatives like options and futures whereas debt funds invest in debt and money market instruments like corporate bonds, commercial papers, treasury bills, non-convertible debentures, certificates of deposit, and government securities.  2. Return on investment Equity funds yield higher returns in the long run whereas the return on investment in the case of debt funds is low to moderate when compared with equity funds.  3. Tax saving options Investors can save taxes by investing in ELSS mutual funds up to INR 150,000 per year. There is no such tax-saving option for investors in debt funds. 4. Risk appetite Investors with moderately high to high-risk appetites opt for equity funds whereas investors with low to moderate-risk appetites choose debt funds as their investment vehicle. 5. Timings The timings of both buying and selling of equity funds are very important as they are dependent upon the stock market which is known for its volatility. The timings of buying and selling in the debt funds are not as important as it is for equity funds. The duration on the other hand is more important than the timing for a debt fund.  6. Expense Ratio In equity vs debt funds, the expense ratio of equity funds is much higher as it is managed by fund managers whereas the expense ratio of debt funds is lower when compared with equity funds. 7. Taxation Investors have to pay a 15% tax on capital gains from equity funds that are held for less than 12 months. The capital gains on equity holdings for more than 12 months are tax-exempt up to an amount of INR 1 lakh. All the gains beyond this amount are taxed @ 10%.  In equity vs debt funds, if investors are holding debt funds for less than 36 months then they will have to pay short-term capital gains tax and it will be taxed as per the tax bracket of the investor. When the debt holding is for more than 36 months investors can avail of indexation benefits and post it the long-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.  8. Investment duration Equity funds are investment options for the long run as they help investors to meet long-term financial goals. Debt funds are investment options for the short run as the duration ranges from 1 day to several years. These are often used as alternatives for savings and fixed-deposit bank accounts. How can one invest in equity or debt funds? Investors can take the help of financial advisors at the Edufund App for informed decisions as the platform offers an option to choose from 4000+ mutual funds in both equity and debt fund categories. The platform guarantees transparency and secured transactions because of top-class 128-SSL security.  Moreover, the value-added benefits like zero commission, no hidden charges, free advisory, and tracking investments through Edufund’s scientific fund tracker help to save a good amount that can be invested further in either or both equity and debt funds.  Conclusion In the discussion between equity vs debt funds, it is important to note that these are tax-efficient investments when compared with other asset classes. Both are mutual funds that help investors to meet their investment goals effectively. FAQ Which is better debt fund or equity fund? Equity funds generate slight higher results Which is riskier debt or equity? Debt has a real cost to it, the interest payable Is SIP in debt fund good? All debt funds are not suitable for SIPs Are debt funds good for the long term? Investors should invest in long-term debt funds if they have an investment time frame of more than 3 years TALK TO AN EXPERT

When choosing a mutual fund, you need to consider factors like risk, performance, fund portfolio, and expense ratio. The Total Expense Ratio, or TER, is one of the most important factors to know about before investing in a mutual fund. Let's see why you need to study it, what are expense ratios, and the best mutual funds with low expense ratios for you to consider.   What is the Expense ratio?  Mutual Funds incur certain operating and expenses for managing funds like – sales & advertising expenses, transaction costs, investment management fees, registrar fees, etc. The expense ratio includes all such expenses incurred by the Mutual funds. It is adjusted to the fund's Net Asset Value (NAV). It is adjusted daily and is a cost to the investor.   How does the Expense ratio make a difference?  Let's consider the actual difference expense ratios can have in the wealth created.  Here, we have taken two types of PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund – regular and direct. The time period taken is ten years.    Scheme SIP Annualized Returns Expense ratio Final corpus (Rs.) Direct 10,000 21.01% 0.40% 1,26,35,714 Regular 10,000 18.96% 1.95% 1,01,62,185  By investing in a regular fund, you incur an expense ratio of 1.95% compared to 0.40% in the direct mode. This expense ratio has cost the investor an additional Rs. 24,73,529. This means that by investing in a regular fund, you lose almost 24 lakh rupees! The gap increases significantly when this is compounded for larger SIP values and for longer time horizons.  With lower expense ratios, the wealth creation in a portfolio increases to a great extent. Mutual Funds with a low expense ratio Scheme name Category Expense Ratio Returns (3yrs) Mirae Asset Tax Saver Fund  ELSS 0.50% 19.91% PGIM India Mid Cap Opportunities Fund Mid Cap 0.40% 38.48% UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Index  0.20% 14.57% Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Small Cap 0.39% 39.01% HDFC Index Nifty 50 Fund Index 0.40% 13.80% *Disclaimer – This is not a direct recommendation How to reduce the Expense ratio of your funds?  Choose a fund with a low expense ratio in respective asset classes. But at the same time, remember not to compromise on the return aspect of the fund because if the fund has low-risk adjusted returns, then having a low expense ratio will not benefit your portfolio.  Adopting a passive approach to investing significantly reduces the expense ratio. For example, instead of investing in a blue chip or a large-cap mutual fund, you can choose a Nifty 50 Index Fund, which comprises the same large-cap companies' stock but has a lower expense ratio than the former.  Last but not least, always choose Direct Funds instead of Regular ones. This way, you don't have to pay an additional commission to distributors.  Should expense ratio be a deciding factor when choosing your mutual funds?  Definitely not! The major factors you should consider while choosing a mutual fund are the risk-adjusted returns, the performance, the portfolio composition, the standard deviation, the fund managers' performance and experience, and whether or not it fits your investment objective. The expense ratio should only be one of the above factors to compare two or more mutual funds in the same category offering similar returns but not a deciding factor.  For instance, funds may generate better returns than the category average but with a slightly higher expense ratio. You may consider the power of compounding with the returns generated in such cases.  Conclusion  Never choose a fund solely based on the expense ratio. Always perform a detailed fundamental analysis to ensure you choose the right fund for you and your portfolio. This will make your investment journey smooth. If you find it challenging to choose a mutual fund that's right for you, take the help of an investment advisor who will guide you through the entire process.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

To guarantee a bright financial future for your kids, you must have a solid financial strategy. It's crucial to base your investments on the aspirations of your children and anticipated cash flow needs. In this blog, we have discussed the key milestones to plan for your child's investment plans. School When budgeting and preparing their investment for their child's education, parents should expect the primary school tuition price, and expenses like uniforms, books, extracurricular activities, transport fees, yearly vacations, picnics, etc., to be between (INR 1.25 - 2 lakh per year). Higher Education While planning for your child's higher education The yearly cost of study and living is the first and most important element that one has to take into account before enrolling in college. Universities offer housing on their campuses for both domestic and international students. However, if the institution you have selected to attend does not provide this amenity, you may simply obtain personal accommodations. Following are the estimated costs of studying UG and PG courses from India and abroad:  Govt Colleges in India will cost around Rs 5-6 lakhs. Private Colleges in India will cost around Rs 8-10 lakhs. Studying Abroad can cost up to INR 1 crore. Marriage Although it is stated that marriages are created in paradise, they take place on Earth and require a lot of money to make them memorable. You arrange your "Big Day" to be a special occasion for both you and the family that attend the ceremony. The Indian wedding market is presently worth over Rs. 1,000 crores and is expanding quickly, at a pace of 25–30% annually. The average cost of a wedding in India ranges from INR 20 lakhs to 5 crores. According to estimates, the average Indian spends one-fifth of his lifetime earnings on his wedding. Also, you need to assemble a skilled team, including event planners, florists, caterers, and fashion designers, to make your special day extraordinary. Therefore, before investing in a child investment plan, you must make plans for each of these milestones for your children. Below, we have included the investment strategy and several investment options for your kid's future. Investment strategy for children's investment plan List specific goals upfront, such as the child's preferred education and related costs. After paying all of your regular costs, you'll be able to estimate how much you can afford and how much you'll need to set aside each month. However, you must remember that loans can also be utilized to fund your education. As a result, you do not have to sacrifice other expenditures like healthcare and retirement to save for your child's education. As the financial goal approaches, reduce your stock exposure to lessen the likelihood of adverse market changes. Different investment options for your child Fixed deposits and other traditional products might not be enough to cover your child's college costs. Other products like equities funds, balanced funds, and shares should be taken into account. You can select one of the following investment strategies depending on your time frame: The best option is debt mutual funds if your child will need the money within five years. Such funds can provide liquidity while producing returns that are more than the rate of inflation. You can mix several financial products for long-term aims. You have the option of investing in gold, stocks, and debt. Although exposure to the stock market is hazardous, investing in equities allows investors to generate larger profits over the long run. PPF is one of the greatest investment options for financing a child's education. To establish a sizable corpus, you must begin this early and invest steadily. Numerous insurance providers provide a range of kid-focused solutions. When your child needs the money to pursue further education, you may choose to implement more mature policies. FAQ Which investment is good for a child's future? When your child is still small and you have at least 15 to 20 years till retirement, it is excellent to begin investing in equities mutual funds. This enables you to withstand shocks like stock market collapses and volatility. Why is future planning important for children? The best way to guarantee money for your children's future needs is through child plans. Many modern plans come with a variety of features that can help you develop your assets and ensure that your kids have money for college. Without having to deal with the pressure of a large investment, you may frequently make little investments. When is the best time to buy a child's education plan? Generally speaking, it is best to get a kid's education plan as soon as possible. This is so that you can leverage the benefits of compounding if your investment has more time to develop.  Investment plans for children help you and your child prepare financially for growing education costs, unanticipated illnesses, and bad circumstances. Planning for your child's future must begin as soon as feasible. This spreads out the risks involved and gives your assets more time to flourish TALK TO AN EXPERT

Investing is no longer regarded as affluent. It has become a necessity to secure one’s future. Let’s compare LIC vs Mutual Fund to help you decide which is the better choice for you. What are LIC plans? The government owns the insurance and investment company Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). It satisfies individual insurance needs by providing customized policies. LIC is a pioneer in the insurance sector and one of the oldest providers of life insurance. A family is protected by life insurance from unanticipated occurrences like death. It aids in safeguarding a family's financial future. The main goal of life insurance is to provide "death benefits" to the dependents in the event that the family's breadwinner passes away too soon. Benefits under LIC plans The benefits covered under LIC insurance are as follows: Risk coverage: The greatest benefit of LIC insurance plans is that it provide risk coverage. It helps you with finances during traumatic events like unplanned death and ensures your loved ones are taken care of financially in such a situation. Financial security: It provides you with financial security. It reassures you that your loved ones are protected and secured. Building financial corpus: It helps you build a financial corpus that can help you secure your family's needs and wants in the future. It safeguards their financial needs to the fullest. Tax benefits: The LIC covered to INR 1.5 lakhs per annum is completely tax-free under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. What are Mutual Funds? A common kind of investing, mutual funds aggregate client funds to invest in a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. Mutual funds are governed by the Securities Exchange and Board of India (SEBI). Investors have access to expert fund management via mutual funds. The investment decisions are made by the fund management team after careful consideration of the fund's goal. This skilled management enables assets like bank savings accounts and fixed deposits to outperform more conventional ones. Mutual funds come in two basic varieties: equity and debt mutual funds. Equity-related products and equity are the main investments of equity mutual funds. Large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, multi-cap, sectoral or thematic, tax-saving, etc., are a few of the several types of equity funds. Debt mutual funds, on the other hand, invest in corporate bonds, government securities, and other financial products. Liquid funds, dynamic bond funds, short-term and ultra-short-term funds, and others are some of the several forms of debt mutual funds. Benefits of Mutual Funds The following advantages are included with mutual funds: Proper fund management: Mutual Funds are managed by professionals and reputed companies like Asset Management Funds. They carry out extensive research and time the market to ensure that the fund performs well. Easy to Invest: Mutual Funds are great for people looking for easy investments. Mutual funds are managed by fund managers which means you do not have to monitor the market or adjust your stocks. The manager makes all the necessary decisions to secure your money. SIP options available: You can start a SIP for Rs. 100 or 50,000! That is the biggest benefit of starting a SIP in a mutual fund, you can decide the amount when to debit the money, when to pause, and when it steps up the amount. Better returns: Mutual funds have the potential to beat the market and inflation. They give you better returns than your FD, PPF, or savings account. However, there are market risks that can affect your returns. Diverse categories for investment: There are different kinds of mutual funds that you can invest in. Equity, debt, and index funds to make the most of your savings. Affordable investments with easy payment options: Mutual funds are affordable. From a student to a risk-averse investor to a financial advisor, anyone can invest in mutual funds. Comparison of LIC vs Mutual Fund Following is the difference between mutual funds vs LIC plans FeaturesLIC Mutual FundsMeaningA pure protection strategy like life insurance will provide your family with financial security in the event of your untimely passing.A pool of investments from many institutions and people is what gives rise to the financial instrument known as mutual funds.PurposeA conventional life insurance policy's primary goal is to secure the financial future of the policyholder's family in the event of an unexpected death.Mutual funds' primary goal is to increase the return on your assets so that you may achieve your long-term financial objectives.LiquidityThrough its lending facility, it manages liquidityInvestors are always free to sell their shares.Risk involvedComparatively speaking, life insurance is less risky than the alternatives.The risk involved is substantial since investments made through mutual funds are susceptible to market hazards.TenureThe policy has an established policy tenure.The tenure of mutual funds is nonexistent. Any amount can be invested at any time.ReturnsReturns vary depending on the type of insurance but are often modest in comparison to investments.Long-term returns are much higherRider benefitThe policy has additional rider benefits.Mutual funds do not offer rider perks as such.DiversificationWhen you put all of your money into one plan, there is no way to diversify your investments.Mutual funds include a variety of securities, which broadens the investor's portfolio.Tax benefitsSection 80c of the Income Tax Act of 1961 exempts up to INR 1.50 lacs in premium payments from taxation.Only section 80c of the Income Tax Act of 1961 applies to ELSS mutual funds when it comes to tax exemptions. LIC vs Mutual fund. Which is better? Life insurance is a must. In the case of the insured's untimely death, it offers the family financial security. But investment is just as significant. It aids in the development of a corpus that enables one to live comfortably and achieve all of one's ambitions. People frequently mix up their needs for investments with insurance, which is a mistake.  Financial experts advise investing in mutual funds and purchasing term insurance for insurance needs as a cheaper alternative that will also contribute to long-term wealth growth. Since SEBI regulates mutual funds and also establishes an upper ceiling on the expense ratio, the costs are capped. Mutual funds also have the potential to provide better returns than life insurance plans with an investment option since they invest in a variety of asset classes. Each person has their own style of thinking and attitude while making investment plans. Some people desire financial security, whilst others desire higher returns. Before making any type of investment, including those in mutual funds or LIC policies, it's crucial to evaluate your financial situation. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

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

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

The United Kingdom has a long tradition of intellectual success. It is one of the well-liked destinations for overseas students pursuing higher education. Regarding MS, UK institutions are at the frontline of offering a diverse selection of courses according to the student's interests.  MS in the United Kingdom provides full-time 1 or 2-year long courses. Specialists from various roles, industries, and courses are available at UK institutions, allowing overseas students to follow their selected degree programs. Popular MS specializations in the UK The following is a listing of the best MS Specialisations in the UK for Indian students. MS in Biology (Sciences)  MS in IT & Networking  MS in Engg (others)  MS in Geology  MS in Computer Science & Engineering  MS in Health Science  MS in Electronics & Electrical Engineering  MS in Mathematics Ways to save for MS in the UK A Master's degree might boost your child’s income potential. It might also be an opportunity to explore something your child is interested in. Saving in advance is the most effective way to reduce the expenditure burden your child will have to handle with student loans. Here's how to get started. 1. Set a goal and a budget for savings Setting a clear objective for the amount to finance your child’s Master’s can assist you in planning for the future. Calculating how much you'll need to save boils down to weighing costs. First, estimate how much money you'll require to pay for their tuition and living expenses. Then consider obtaining student loans, but proceed with caution. Calculate the monthly payment cost of the loan after your child graduates. 2. Refinance private student loans To save money, refinance outstanding private student loans. If your child is currently paying their student loans with a bachelor’s degree, the interest rates may have decreased since then. Interest rates on student loans are predicted to surge throughout 2022. In June, the federal funds rate was raised by 75 basis points, and fed officials anticipate future hikes. This might result in increased interest rates on both private & federal student loans. If you hold private student loans, refinancing replaces your loan with a new loan with a reduced interest rate. Refinancing existing student loans may allow you to free up a few additional rupees in your monthly budget for savings. 3. Choose the best option to start saving There are several options to save for future college fees, ranging from a traditional high-yield savings account to a college investing account. However, the best way to save will be determined by the timing of your strategy.  Select investment programs that offer investment possibilities customized to various periods and risk sensitivities. If you gradually adapt to being more conservative, you may invest more aggressively. Some of the options to start savings include - Mutual fund investing US ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) Purchasing insurance policies Purchasing real estate Making an investment in PPF With these ways to save for your child's education, you may stop worrying about the cash needed to send your child to his or her ideal college. 4. Prepare early savings Investment needs time to mature. Education costs are often long-term goals that require more than five years to attain. Consider how much time you will need to create your children's education fund for MS in the UK.  The more time you have, the lighter your load will be. The sooner you begin investing & saving, the better. Top 10 MS colleges in the United Kingdom There are around 115+ MS Colleges in the UK. MS costs about INR 27.40 lakhs in the UK (approx.). The top specializations are IT and networking, Engg (others), Biology (Sciences), Geology, Health Science, Computer Science and engineering, Electronics and electrical Engineering, and Mathematics.  A bachelor's degree + Statement of Purpose (SOP) + IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score+ Letter of Recommendation (LOR) + GMAT/GRE scores + resume + job experience is required for admission. Consider looking at the best colleges in the UK for overseas students seeking an MS. Top MS Courses in the United Kingdom MS tuition prices in the United Kingdom Conclusion According to Census Bureau data, earning a master's degree may earn you up to $400,000 more than a bachelor's degree throughout your life. However, because this is throughout a lifetime, you may not see any significant financial rewards at first. As a result, it is critical to begin planning and conserving as soon as possible.  Senior financial counselors and planners urge parents to examine the higher education level they expect their children to achieve before developing a plan. More importantly, gathers information about current tuition costs and detects yearly increases. Make wise financial decisions, and you'll experience a lot less worry in the future. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

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

It's vital to save money if you want to fulfill your or your child’s ambitions. While some may be fortunate enough to receive a monthly paycheck that is sufficient to fulfill their needs and aspirations, many are forced to scale back their goals after barely managing to pay their bills. How can you save money from your salary every month 1. Make a monthly budget plan The key to saving money is to keep track of your spending and limit your costs. By separating your costs into important areas, create a monthly budget plan and follow it. Since the budget will help you avoid going over your spending limit, you will have extra money to save down each month from your income. 2. Avoid credit cards or personal loans Avoid utilizing credit cards and personal loans, even when they are freely accessible. These two approaches both lead to steadily increasing debt that finally prevents you from having any control over your monthly spending. Use UPI as often as you can to make payments because there are no transaction fees involved. 3. Avoid making fancy purchases Young people typically want to dine outside, watch a movie, shop online, and go to the mall. But are these costs actually necessary? It is quite possible to live without overindulging in these as they are luxury. Depending on your budget, place a limit on these pleasures. 15% of your salary is the generally advised maximum for fun and pleasure expenditure. Make careful to adhere to this cap at all costs. 4. Low-cost entertainment ideas Another area where you might be able to save money is entertainment costs. You might be able to reduce your movie expenses with the abundance of subscription options accessible, such as Amazon Prime, Cable, and Netflix. Consider indulging in outdoor activities like hiking or camping as an alternative to spending money. Additionally, having fun shouldn't be expensive. As an alternative to going out to eat, think about hosting a house party or potluck dinner. 5. Track your spending We don't stick to our budget, which is one reason why we spend too much money. You must accept responsibility for your actions if you wind up spending twice as much on everyday meals as you expected. You'll be able to see how your pay is being spent if you keep track of your expenditures. Study your expenditures over the last several months before setting aside money from your salary. We frequently observe that there are districts that we might eliminate to concentrate on conserving. 6. Take care of debts As soon as you start working, you are most likely to be subject to debt bondage. When you have fewer commitments and more access to credit card purchases, it might be difficult to resist the temptations toward uncontrolled consumption. Knowing the difference between needs wants, and greed will be helpful. There are other ways to accumulate debt besides using a credit line. Start investing with SIP and debt mutual funds This is well-liked since the returns are steady. This alternative is available to those who are hesitant to invest because of the hazards. These funds make investments in treasury bills, government securities, markets, commercial paper, and other financial instruments. Debt mutual funds do, however, carry credit and interest rate concerns. Even though there is a tonne of online advice on where to start, investing may seem scary to beginners. A crucial step would be to do research. Use a systematic investment plan (SIP), which is very simple and sensible, to start small while you decide how much work you want to put into investing and what kinds of investments you want to make. If you're not sure what you want, it's a good idea to ask a professional expert for guidance. They can walk you through your options and help you choose something that will make you happier and more involved. You may contact our professionals at EduFund, and they will assist you with the proper course of action for investing. Download the EduFund app and create an account to start investing. With zero charges and no hassle account opening process is from the comfort of your home. How much salary to invest in mutual funds? There are a lot of investing guidelines that can be used as a guide, and the 50:30:20 rule is a wonderful illustration of how someone should normally invest 20% of their monthly wage. Depending on your level of risk tolerance, there are many types of mutual funds. Index funds, debt funds, multi-cap funds, hybrid funds, and equity funds are a few of them. Building a financial safety net for you and your family when you aren't working is dependent on saving money as you go along. It might be a wise use of funds to put some of your profits into the best investment programs. Not only will it secure your future, but it will also develop your financial discipline and assist you in achieving your own objectives. TALK TO AN EXPERT

It may seem hard to save enough money to purchase a home. But if you have a strong savings plan, anyone may accumulate enough cash for a down payment on the home of their dreams. Tips to save money to buy your dream house 1. Build a better budget Setting a budget is a very crucial step in the saving process. It is tough to redirect money to your down payment if you don't know where your money goes each month. You need to be very careful in calculating your monthly income, taking into account any income from a spouse or partner who will also be helping with the down payment.  Next, gather all of your payments and credit card statements in one place. Take a look at your spending patterns. Keep track of how much you spend on basics like utilities, rent, and student loan repayment. Next, think about how much money you spend on non-essentials like entertainment, dining out, etc. each month. If you want to avoid doing this manually, a budgeting tool can help you automate the process. Getting the assistance of a financial counselor might give you a better concept of what your budget should look like if it all still seems too daunting. Once you've broken down your spending into categories, search for places you may make savings. For each category, establish a firm (but reasonable) budget and adhere to it. Make sure to set aside a particular amount of money each month in your budget for your down payment. Think of your savings as a necessary cost. 2. Stick to the 50-30-20 rule Following a 50-30-20 budget, where 50% of your take-home income is set aside for fixed bills, 30% for any discretionary needs, and 20% for savings, is one way to make significant savings. Although it won't be simple, giving up conveniences you may otherwise be able to afford will be well worth the effort after you move into your new home. 3. Search for other employment options  Even if it isn't always practical, changing professions and earning a larger salary might help you save money for a down payment. To find out if you make as much money as those who hold positions comparable to yours, look through websites that list job openings and wage comparisons. Consider using your results as leverage to negotiate a raise or ask about a promotion at work if you find out your income is below the industry average. Consider looking for higher-paying jobs you are qualified for if you don't enjoy your job or can't obtain a raise. 4. Consider making lifestyle adjustments You should think about major lifestyle adjustments if you are committed to buying your own house. Moving temporarily to a smaller apartment is one option that might help you save a significant amount on your monthly rent. In addition to your regular job, you could think about alternative income options. You may save for that down payment on your house by doing both, living within your means for at least two to three years, and reducing spending like vacations, entertainment, and other expensive memberships. 5. Invest in profit-earning instruments You must invest in various types of money growth instruments to accumulate a corpus of at least INR 50 lakh over the next ten years. Doing so will allow you to earn a respectable rate of appreciation throughout that time. Consider investing in mutual funds, fixed deposits, public provident funds, or all three (PPF).  Mutual funds can help you earn returns of between 9 and 15 percent annually, depending on the coverage you choose. PPF, on the other hand, gives an interest rate that is around 7.1% yearly compounded. The ability to start an account with as little as INR 100 is the nicest aspect of investing in a PPF.  Unlike mutual funds, investing in PPF carries no risk at all. You may contact our professionals at EduFund, and they will assist you with the proper course of action for investing. Download the EduFund app and create an account to start investing. With zero charges and no hassle account opening process is from the comfort of your home. 6. Try a systematic investment plan (SIP) A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) enables a recurring investment of a defined sum into a mutual fund program. With a minimum commitment of INR 500, you may participate in a mutual fund plan via SIP and take advantage of rupee-cost averaging and compounding. When you consistently invest, regardless of the state of the market, you usually end up with more units during times of low demand and fewer during times of strong demand. This substantially lowers your entire investment cost. The down payment amount might range from thousands to even lakhs in rupees, depending on the home you pick. It's wise to conduct some study and select the option that best satisfies your emotional requirements and preferences as well as your financial circumstances. TALK TO AN EXPERT