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Confusion while choosing a career occurs when you lack a clear idea about your options. The resultant stress can add to the clouding of judgment. This can, however, be avoided by conducting thorough self-scrutiny and simultaneously analyzing the current job market.  Choosing a career can seem like a mammoth task. Like all other mammoth tasks, the most efficient way to troubleshoot this is to divide it into smaller tasks. First, make a list of the things you need to consider while choosing a career. Second, prioritize them systematically by lining them up in the correct chronological order. Set short-term goals so that they are easily achievable. Here are some helpful pointers.  Ways you can choose the right career path? 1. Do I have one or more areas of interest? An ideal point to start is to consider your area of interest. This also means self-analyzing and deciding how interest-driven you are in life and at work. Choosing a career can befuddle you if you are not sure of yourself. If you have more than one area of interest, note them down serially. Not every interest can be monetized. Once you have all of them listed you can decide which would be ideal as a foundation for your career. A coach would be very helpful to help you gain clarity. 2. What are my skills & capabilities?  Skills are one of the most important factors when it comes to vocation. Being aware of what your capabilities are will make you not only confident about yourself but also offer clarity over what skills could be developed to become a better competitor in the job market.  It is also necessary to be well aware of your skills so that you can list them down in your curriculum vitae that are necessary for your job profile alongside your portfolio. Remember, not having a skill is not an obstacle. As long as you know about it, you can always train yourself to be better.  3. What is my level of education?  Education is another founding factor when it comes to career selection. This is why it is so important to think about future job options even while pursuing an academic course. Journeys are made purposeful by setting a destination. Similarly, your educational endeavor can be a rewarding experience when it has a good career as its destination point. A good career is also what makes the allocation of funds towards education fruitful because you have an estimate of the returns. Nevertheless, do not worry if you are way past your educational life and looking for jobs presently. All you need to do is consider what your level of education is and how it can help you land a good job.  4. What are my principles/work ethics?  Your values, principles, and work ethics are what make you exclusive and irreplaceable as an employee. Among other things, it takes into account your approach towards work- if you function well in stressful situations or are you most efficient in a stress-free environment.  Thus, it is important to check up not only on the work ethics and values of the company you want to work for but also your principles. If these two match, you might have the most wonderful experience of your life. However, if they do not, you might feel stuck in a work environment that does not help you grow as a person.  5. Are there many jobs I can choose from?  Analyzing the job market is one of the most indispensable steps while considering career options. It is advisable to start as early as possible. When you are deciding upon a course to study, keep an eye on the availability of jobs in that field.  Having more options means you can reduce the pressure upon yourself, to begin with. It also implies that once you land a few jobs, your demand as a candidate increases. This might also be reflected as a positive influence on your future salary and enhance your prospects.  6. What are my financial goals?  Goals offer purpose to living. But financial goals are more than that. Other than making you purposeful, it also regulates your monetary habits. As such it is important to set out personal goals judiciously.  Your mindfulness while setting financial goals can come in handy while choosing a career. You might have short-term or long-term goals. Based on that, you can apply for jobs after considering their salary structure and thereby, formulate a plan of action for achieving your dreams. 7. Is my living style compatible with my career option(s)? You can expect life to not remain the same before and after employment. Nevertheless, you might want to consider jobs that are compatible with your current lifestyle. The other option is to be open to changing your lifestyle according to your job requirements.  You can start by asking questions like - Is the job shift manageable or will it be too inconvenient for you? Carefully examine if you are comfortable with the job role. Some jobs require you to travel frequently. In that case, you can ask yourself if you are up for it. FAQs What are the 7 steps to finding the right career path?   Know your area of interest   Assess your skills and capabilities   Quality education   The right principle/ work ethic   Analyse the job market   Set your financial goal   Strike a balance between lifestyle and career option     How do I find my career path? Confusion while choosing a career occurs when you lack a clear idea about your options. Choosing a career can seem like a mammoth task. Like all other mammoth tasks, the most efficient way to troubleshoot this is to divide it into smaller tasks.   First, make a list of the things you need to consider while choosing a career. Second, prioritize them systematically by lining them up in the correct chronological order. Set short-term goals so that they are easily achievable. What are the 4 Ps of choosing a career? There are four significant things that an individual should consider while choosing a career- people, product, purpose, and potential.   What are the 10 steps to the right career path?   Identify your passion   Know your strengths and weakness   Prioritise quality education   Choose a suitable course   Acquire important skills during the internship   Design a winning resume   Do your research before applying for a job   Keep an eye on the job market   Assess your financial goal   Balance your lifestyle and career option   Conclusion In this capitalistic world, work and leisure are often segregated from each other. We tend to forget that enjoying your work can render you stress-free and make life ten times better. Choose a career that, while yielding desired returns, will not hamper your mental peace or restrict personal growth. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Introduction To be able to understand why you need a good credit score to represent you, it can be useful to be aware of the basics first. Once you grasp how credit works, you can not only avail all of the benefits, offers and rewards that come with different credit card transactions but also improve your credit score drastically.  What is credit?  In economics, a debit is a decrease in one’s assets and a credit is an increase in the same. When you get a bank account, a credit would mean an increase in your bank balance while a debit would mean a decrease in your balance.  Debits cause the flowing out of money from one’s expense account due to the costs incurred by the consumption of goods and services. Credit is the opposite. However, credit can become a liability in the case of an unpaid credit bill which is a debt that you must clear within a stipulated amount of time. What is an ideal credit score?  A credit score is a three-digit number that indicates how credit-worthy you have proved yourself to be with your past transactions. This is done by analysing your credit files which show how successful or unsuccessful you have been in clearing your credit bills on time. Thus, it indicates to your potential lenders how capable you are in handling the risk factor involved in borrowing money.  In India, credit scores can range from 300 to 900. Credit bureaus like CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited) are in charge of evaluating your credit score. You might have a score of about 700 and wonder what it means. Any credit score in the range of 700 - 750 is usually considered a decent one. Likewise, anything above 800 is considered an excellent score. However, credit scores of 650 or less might not be considered strong enough for lenders to approve high-interest loans to you.   How to build a good credit score? To build your credit score from scratch, you can start by applying for a secured credit card scheme. You can also choose the shortcut of building credit faster by becoming an authorised user of someone’s else preexisting account. It is easy to attain an ideal credit score with a few months of consistent credit activity. Once you have indulged in an amount of credit activity that is enough to generate a score, you can then focus on making it better.  The rules are simple - do not borrow more than you can pay back and make it a point to pay all your credit bills on time. Your credit score will get adversely affected if you miss a payment or default on a loan. Also, make sure to settle any pre-existing debts so that it does not prevent you from attaining the desired score.  Another factor that improves your credit score effectively is the diversity of your credit. A credit mix shows that you are equally capable of responsibly handling different kinds of credit, be it mortgages, personal loans or credit card bills.     What are the benefits of maintaining a good credit score?  The benefits of maintaining a favourable credit score are manifold. First and foremost, it creates a favourable impression upon prospective lenders. Building a good score and maintaining it helps you to easily avail future credits and loans. The higher the credit score, the more qualified you are to avail of low-interest loans.  The amount of money you get to borrow, known as the credit limit, also increases with a high credit score since money lenders or banks are thereby satisfied with your capability of paying back the money on time. Sometimes it even allows you to negotiate with lenders on interest rates. With an impressive credit file, you get to reap better rewards and benefits on credit products.  Even for your own financial health, building credit works as a favourable sign. Other than coming in handy while making big investments like getting a car or buying a house, it also implies your adeptness at managing your finances. In fact, car buyers with high credit scores often get better insurance rates than the ones with unsatisfactory scores.     You can also avail of education loans at affordable rates with a good credit score. You can download the EduFund app and apply for an education loan right away! FAQs What is credit? A credit means an increase in your bank balance while a debit would mean a decrease in your balance. What is a credit score? A credit score is assigned to every credit card owner, capable of borrowing money from a financial institute. The score indicates the borrower's potential in terms of trusty worthiness, repayment behaviour and past financial history. For example, you have defaulted on your credit card payments, then you are likely to have a bad credit score. But if you have financial discipline and make routine payments then you will have a good credit score. In India, credit scores can range from 300 to 900. Credit bureaus like CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited) are in charge of evaluating your credit score. What is a credit score and what is it used for? A credit score is usually a three-digit number to determine your borrowing capability, The lender can decide whether you are credit- worthy for applying for car, home or education loans in the long run. Credit worthiness is extremely important in building trust and showing your lender that you have the means and intent to pay back the borrowed money on time. Conclusion The thumb rule for building the ideal credit score is to borrow only as much as you can repay and to pay your bills timely. It is equally important to maintain that standard once you get to the top and secure it from any kind of deterioration. Knowing the correct ways of achieving these can make you more confident in choosing the right financial goals for yourself. Moreover, the added benefits of having an impressive credit score can work as the right kind of motivation for improving it.  

Ever since the year 2020, the world has moved at a different speed. Due to the pandemic, the world almost came to a standstill. But then it got back on its feet again and started progressing at a faster pace to make up for the lost time. Some of the intrinsic social institutions like health and education have been most influenced by such drastic changes. Certain trends have emerged and solidified in the case of education and these are going to be quite noticeable in 2022.  1. Technology as a factor  First and foremost, after staying cooped up in our rooms for too long, humans were forced to take up interaction with the rest of the world through virtual media. Even kids are being deprived of their basic right to social development in a more open and public atmosphere, as they have to attend online classes.  Although Generation Z is born in the digital era, studies have indicated that such a drastic and paradigmatic change has affected children psychologically. Children staying at home all the time has made work-from-home slightly difficult for adults. Moreover, the added dependency on gadgets to get an education has extended their screen time exponentially.  But this new trend came with a silver lining- it made kids tech-savvy at a very young age. To make up for lost public time and space and to make social distancing bearable, new software applications have been developed. Some of them are devoted to instilling a sense of patience and concentration in kids getting into the new habit of getting a school education from home.  2. Social grooming  Human beings are social animals. Let’s just say, we have learned a new way of being social amidst the norms of isolation and social distancing. Developing soft skills is a major part of the social and cognitive development that kids partly learn from school, and partly at home.  Now the space we call home has to serve as both public and private, figuratively speaking. In a way, the pandemic has turned the world into an even smaller global village. Fortunately, digitization has made it possible to attain the closest experience to real-life socializing. Class presentations are still held for students on virtual platforms. Children can choose to indulge in group study projects through social media apps under their parents’ supervision.  3. Vocational engagements  After a few months into the Coronavirus pandemic, it became clear that time and tide stop for none. Once the governments of various countries started getting some level of control over the situation, the education sector also started reopening avenues virtually.  Soon developers on new virtual platforms realized that this was their chance to take advantage of the study-from-home culture. Courses began getting more and more job-oriented. Even websites known for finding job placements began offering certificate courses that would make one more eligible to apply for a particular vocation in the future. Understandably, a lot of the vocational skills are offered through these courses that last for a shorter duration. They are meant to prepare the new generation for work-from-home jobs since the pandemic has changed some things in a near-permanent fashion. 4. Going beyond the syllabus Another very popular trend that has emerged amid the pandemic is students enrolling for different courses from foreign universities. Since traveling across borders has now become more complicated due to COVID, grabbing every opportunity for distance education can be counted as a smart move. The internet has made it possible to introduce new and unconventional courses into the mainstream curriculum. Educators can now virtually assess and discuss the progress of a student with their parents. Students can also resort to technological aids for self-assessment, through data algorithms which means that the process is more objective and self-sufficient. This can, in turn, provide a self of self and purpose. It can drive kids to learn and develop skill sets that go beyond the prescribed syllabus.  5. Studying abroad is still as desirable as ever The idea of studying from anywhere virtually is taking hold but data suggests that college enrolments abroad have only increased in the past year. The reason is perhaps that a college education doesn't only include the syllabus but also the community, lifestyle, and campus life that all add up to overall personality development. Studying abroad remains as desirable as ever for Indian students wanting to get the best higher education. FAQs What are the new trends in education? The new trends in education include increased of technology, higher number of online classes, reliance of education-technology to teach in classrooms and going beyond the usage of books and reading material. What are the trends in Indian education? The growing trends in Indian education: Gamification Introduction of soft skills and hard skills Use of technology in classrooms What is the importance of trends in education? New and improved trends in education are important to deal with the changing world. For instance, the introduction of online classes helped thousands of schools and parents cope with the changing world. It allowed students to continue their education unhindered. Conclusion An optimistic way of looking at the changing trends in higher education in 2022 is acknowledging the fact that digitization has acted as a catalyst in changing the face of academia itself. The pandemic has wreaked much havoc but it has also prepared us for a brave new world.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Goals that individuals plan for themselves before marriage can vary from person to person. Sometimes the goal is to have a fit body that looks amazing in a wedding dress and at other times, the goals are more long term like buying a house of their own or a car.  Marriage is a big event in anybody’s life and it is normal to divide your goals into pre and post-marriage. However, it is not enough to just have goals. You should plan out how you are going to lead your life post-wedding to achieve these goals While money is not the only important factor in a marriage, setting concrete and judicious financial goals becomes crucial to leading a happy married life.  Below is a list of things that you can do as a married person to lead a better financial life after marriage. 1. Open a separate bank account You might already have a joint account with your spouse but that is not enough. It is always advisable to get another bank account that will be solely devoted to your monetary expenses as an individual. Having a bank account exclusively for this purpose serves many purposes other than keeping you from mixing up your finances.  It might bear witness to how independent and responsible you and your partner are. Offering each other time and space can be as important as contributing to your relationship, financial or otherwise. In the long run, it bears testimony to how invested you are in your marriage.  Moreover, being in a marriage does not have to mean that you don’t have any personal goals anymore. These individual goals can be for yourself, your parents, your child, and so on. Having a separate bank account will also prove how invested you are in yourself despite being married.  2. Talk about finances  It goes without saying that in any relationship, communication is key. In a marriage, too, it is important to keep your partner in the loop, as you have decided to live your life together. Among other things that partners should talk about, money is one of the most significant. Being actively involved in marriage also means that partners should stay aware of each other’s monetary difficulties like debts. If your partner is trying hard to pay off debts, home loans, education loans, and the like, it should be a priority to help them overcome it. Romantic gestures need not just be about taking your partner out on dates or handing them a bunch of flowers. Being the person they can depend on in times of adversity can strengthen your bond tenfold.  3. Make a priority list  One of the most important steps in navigating finances is to make lists that state your financial priorities in order. Sit down with your partner and discuss at length if rent should come first or debts, or retirement savings.  Financial planning takes into account things like emergency funds and the first step to start planning these is to place them on your priority list. Ideally, emergency funds should come before investment plans. You should also start clearing up your debts as soon as you can. This way your EMI money will be ready to be spent whenever you need it.  4. Get started with budgeting immediately  Budgeting is indispensable if you are looking to manage your finances effectively. In marriage, you need to go about every step of budgeting along with your partner as you are managing a household together. Budgeting includes your daily expenses and putting away a part of your income as savings every month.  Planning is key, be it for expected or unexpected expenses. Put aside money on regular intervals for expenses you are expecting - those can be a phone or car upgrades or even getting a new house. For unexpected expenses, save money every month as part of an emergency fund. Be in constant touch with your partner about their financial goals so that you can find out how to be compatible.    Surveys often indicate that couples might face stress in their married lives over their unregulated spending habits. Creating separate buckets of savings for different expenses is the healthiest and most systematic way of budgeting. It saves you and your partner the extra tension and ensures happy married life.  FAQs How finances are best handled in marriage? The best way to handle finances is to have an open discussion around money and expenses. Talk about the shared expenses and individual expenses. Whether you have dependents like children, siblings and parents? Try to have two separate accounts for personal expense and a joint account for shared expenses. Plan and save for major events like raising a child, their education, buying a house and trip. What is the best way to budget in a marriage? The right way to budget in a marriage is to discuss the income resources and expenses with each other. Divide the expenses, find out how much you and your partner can contribute and follow the 50-30- 20 rule. Herein you can dedicate 50% of your shared income towards household needs, 30% towards wants and 20% towards savings. Who should be in charge of the finances in a marriage? Both partners should be equally in-charge and responsible for finances in a marriage. Its important to budget, save and investment as partners and discuss the well of contribution towards shared expenses openly. Conclusion Managing finances together with your spouse might not always be easy because as individuals you might have different monetary goals and spending habits. Nevertheless, keeping judgments at bay and instead, helping each other overcome their unhealthy lifestyles and financial adversities can go a long way in securing your marriage.  You can start your investment journey right away with your partner by downloading the EduFund app. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

 A business cycle also called an 'economic cycle', has five stages Launch  Growth  Shake-out  Maturity  Decline  Every business and economy has ups and downs. Additionally, understanding when the economic cycle starts or ends can be difficult. That is why you may end up investing in the middle of a process. Take a look at the image below. In it, you'll notice that the market has gone through its own set of good events and some bad ones too. However, despite this, the market still seems to rise. Investing over the long term Many analysts/wealth advisors recommend holding on to your investments or staying invested for the long term. But have you wondered how long is long enough? Should you hold your investment for 5 years, 15 years, or 25 years? Read on to find out. Our expert advice Our experts think you do not have to hold an investment for 20-25 years to get decent returns. They recommend keeping your assets for at least one business cycle as long as 7-8 years.  How to plan your investments? To understand how being invested for at least one business cycle can be ideal, consider two scenarios- investing in the market in 2008 & investing in the market in 2015.  Scenario 1 If you invested via SIPs in January 2008, when BSE Sensex was at 20813 through the SIP route and remained funded for one business cycle (January 2008 - December 2014), here is what the value of your investments would look like over this time. Source: BSE Sensex   Note: Period understudy is between Jan’08-Dec’14 (No. of months 84). Data for BSE Sensex Index has been taken for calculating the SIP returns.  Year SIP Amount Per Month Invested Amount Accumulated Amount XIRR No. of Transaction 2008 ₹ 5,000 ₹ 4,20,000 ₹ 7,02,503 14.75% 84 Note: XIRR stands for Extended Internal Rate of Return. It is used to calculate returns on investment where there are multiple cash flows (e.g., SIP) taking place at different intervals. IRR considers all the cash flows – both inflows and outflows- and all the times at which these cash flows happen.   According to the calculation above, you made money on your investments even when the market was corrected by almost 60%. Additionally, while 2008 has been considered the worst year for the Indian economy, investors who began investing in then made handsome gains on their investments.  Scenario 2 If you invested via SIPs in January 2015 when BSE was at 26909 and remained If you invested via SIPs in Jan 2015 when BSE was at 26909 and remained funded for one business cycle (January 2015 - December 2021), here's how your investments would have grown in value over time. Year SIP Amount Per Month Invested Amount Accumulated Amount XIRR No. of Transaction 2015 ₹ 5,000 ₹ 4,20,000 ₹ 7,22,867 15.33% 84 Note: XIRR stands for Extended Internal Rate of Return. It is used to calculate returns on investment where there are multiple cash flows (e.g., SIP) taking place at different intervals. IRR considers all the cash flows – both, inflows and outflows- and all the times at which these cash flows happen.   Similarly, you can count on higher returns despite all the downs of the market if you look at another business. That means all you need to do - is stay invested. So, to even out the market ups and downs and make higher returns, consider remaining invested for at least one business cycle rather than redeeming your investment over a short term for lesser gains. FAQs What is a business cycle?  A business cycle also called an 'economic cycle', has five stages Launch  Growth  Shake-out  Maturity  Decline  How to plan your investments? By downloading the Edufund app, you can start planning your investments. From figuring out the cost of education via College Cost Calculator to starting a SIP for long-term and short-term goals on the app and getting market expertise from saving experts, you can do it all on the App. Is investing only for the rich? No, investing is for everyone. You can start a SIP for Rs. 500 or 1000 every month to start investing and scale up your investments as you grow. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant. The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries. About DSP Healthcare Fund Direct-Growth Investment objective The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek to generate consistent returns by predominantly investing in equity and equity-related securities of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tucVrl2K7Vw Investment process   This thematic fund invests in established & upcoming companies in the pharmaceutical & healthcare space in India and internationally (primarily, in the United States). While selecting stocks, they focus on their growth, value, and stability. In portfolio construction, they maintain a judicious balance between sub-segments and maintain liquidity considered for stock sizing.  Portfolio composition  The portfolio major exposure of 40% in large cap followed by 23% in small cap. The top 3 sectors hold nearly 94% of the portfolio, with major exposure to Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology. Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: dspim.com  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. Pharmaceutical 16.48 Cipla Ltd. Pharmaceutical 9.33 Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. Healthcare Company 6.96 IPCA Laboratories Ltd. Pharmaceutical 5.42 Lupin Ltd. Pharmaceutical 5.41 Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. Source: ICICI Pru DSP Healthcare Fund Direct-Growth: performance over 4 years  If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the DSP Healthcare Fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 22,427. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. Note: Performance of the fund since launch. Inception date – Nov 30th, 2018. Source: Moneycontrol  The DSP Healthcare Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of more than 4 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 22.01%  Fund Managers  Chirag Dagli: Chirag has a total work experience of Over 20 years. He joined DSP Investment Managers in November 2020 as Vice President in Equity Team. He is a Chartered Accountant (ICAI India) and also holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.  Vinit Sambre: Total work experience of 16 years. Vinit joined DSPIM in July 2007, as Portfolio Analyst for the firm's Portfolio Management Services (PMS) division, which manages discretionary accounts and provides advisory services to institutional clients.  Jay Kothari: Total work experience of 20 years. Vice President & Product Strategist -Jay has been with DSP Investment Managers since May 2005. He completed his Bachelor of Management Studies (Finance & International Finance) from Mumbai University, followed by an MBA in Finance from Mumbai University.  Who should invest?  An experienced investor with a well-defined core portfolio.  Investors with high patience understand that sectoral bets may come with changing cycles.  Why invest?  Offers the potential to grow your wealth & 'earn big' returns if this theme does well (a high-risk, high-return strategy).  Can help you beat the impact of rising prices over the long term.  Horizon  One should look at investing and holding the investment for more than 7 years.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  FAQs Who should invest in DSP Healthcare Fund?  An experienced investor with a well-defined core portfolio.  Investors with high patience understand that sectoral bets may come with changing cycles.  What has DSP Healthcare Fund Direct-Growth performance been like over 4 years?  If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the DSP Healthcare Fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 22,427. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. The DSP Healthcare Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of more than 4 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 22.01%  What is DSP Healthcare Fund Direct-Growth's investment approach? This thematic fund invests in established & upcoming companies in the pharmaceutical & healthcare space in India and internationally (primarily, in the United States). While selecting stocks, they focus on their growth, value, and stability. In portfolio construction, they maintain a judicious balance between sub-segments and maintain liquidity considered for stock sizing.  Conclusion  This DSP Healthcare Fund offers favourable sector dynamics - Rising income levels, increasing health consciousness, and government policies mean an increase in healthcare spending, so companies in this space could do well. This scheme is suitable for an investor with a high-risk appetite and who believes in high-risk high rewards.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

How to choose the right mutual fund that can generate the best returns is the most common question among investors. We often judge a mutual fund by its past returns. But that is not enough; you need to make sure the future returns from the fund are also lucrative.   Mutual funds are of different types like large-cap, small-cap, and ELSS, among others. Once you have decided to invest, you must choose where to invest. Knowing about the basic factors that shape investment decisions can help you decide which mutual fund you want to opt for.  Two things you need to do to get started before you choose the right mutual fund 1. Setting a goal One of the most significant aspects of investing is being clear about your goals. A goal can be anything - buying a car worth 5 lakhs, a retirement scheme worth 1 crore, or an apartment worth 5 crores.  Any kind of goal requires a time horizon to function. Say, the goal of purchasing a car can be achieved within a time period of 5 years, or that of getting an apartment within 15 years. Retirement plans have longer time horizons - almost 20 to 30 years. Thus, while investing, you need to set a clear goal according to the time horizon for achieving it.   2. Calculating risk appetite  Once you have set your goal(s) and time horizon, the next thing that you need to analyze is your risk appetite. As the name suggests, risk appetite is your ability to withstand potential losses that might be incurred while investing. Risk-taking is an important aspect of investment. Why? Because the higher the risk, the greater tend to be the returns.  Time horizon becomes an important factor in calculating risk appetite. With a longer time horizon, the capacity to take risks also increases. This is because your investment return rates might decrease but they will still have a longer time window to recover.  What is an equity mutual fund?  Once you are clear about your goals and have calculated the time horizon and risk appetite, you can familiarise yourself with the different kinds of mutual funds so that you can choose the most suitable one for yourself. The first type is called Equity mutual funds in which the basic idea is to invest in the shares of various companies. Here, the fund manager will put your money in the stock market to avail the best returns from it. The returns from such investments depend highly on the market condition, thus, increasing the risk factor in equity mutual funds. But since higher risks mean more returns, you can opt for equity mutual funds if your time horizon is more than 7 years to accommodate for increased risk.   What are the different types of equity mutual funds? Equity mutual funds can be of 4 types based on the level of risk and returns. 1. Large-cap mutual funds The first one is called large-cap mutual funds. They invest in Indian companies that are considered to be in the top 100 in terms of their market value. Here, you invest in shares of famous companies like Reliance, HDFC, and Infosys. The risk involved is moderate and the return rate is about 15%. This can be your go-to if you have a larger time horizon.   2. Mid-cap mutual funds Mid-cap mutual funds invest in Indian companies that are in the top 101 to 250 in terms of market value like Voltas, JK Cement, and Avenue Supermarts. The risk involved in mid-cap mutual funds is higher than that of large-cap funds but the return rate is also more - about 17-18%. The time horizon for mid-cap mutual funds has to be at least 7-10 years to have a suitable risk appetite.   3. Small-cap mutual funds Small-cap mutual funds are ones that invest in companies that are beyond the top 250 in the country. This means that the amount of volatility is increased and so is the risk involved. The bright spot here is that these mutual funds can also get you the highest returns which are at times over 25%. 4. ELSS mutual funds Equity Linked Saving Schemes or ELSS is the third type. This scheme is a dedicated mutual fund allowing investors to save taxes. Here, you have the option to take a deduction of about 1.5 lakhs which will allow you to save almost 46,800 INR in taxes. It, however, has a lock-in period of about 3 years, meaning you won’t be able to withdraw money from this fund for 3 whole years. The purpose is to make you stay invested longer and receive higher returns - about 17-18%. The risk factor is higher than that of large-cap funds but ELSS is ideal if you’re looking to make long-term investments while also enjoying tax benefits.  What is a Debt mutual fund?  Debt funds invest in government securities, corporate bonds, treasury bills, and other such money-market instruments. Unlike equity funds, they do not get affected by market fluctuations and generate fixed returns. If you are looking for low-risk investments, you can opt for debt funds. Since debt funds are low-risk investments, the time horizon required can be about 5 years. The expected return rate might range from 7% to 12%.  A liquid debt fund is a kind of debt fund where you can put your surplus money. This can be utilized for short-term goals, say, for purchasing a laptop or planning a vacation. These generate returns of almost 7% - 9% which is a huge improvement on the 3% - 4% that bank accounts can generate. Liquid debt funds are also a brilliant way to save up for emergencies. One way to secure your equity investments as you inch closer to your goal is to move them to debt investments as debt funds have a low-risk factor.  What is a Hybrid mutual fund? As the name suggests, hybrid mutual funds are a combination of equity and debt funds. This fund is often chosen by low-risk investors because despite offering low risk, it generates better returns than debt funds.  If you are insecure about the high risks involved in Equity mutual funds, you can opt for a hybrid mutual fund. It allows you to partially test out equity investments without being exposed to all the risks. The return rates range from 13% - 14% and goals with shorter time horizons of about 3 years are ideal for this investment.  What is the significance of the expense ratio and exit load?  The expense ratio is the money charged to you by the assets management company for managing your funds. The higher the expense ratio, the lower the returns from an investment. Thus, it is wise to invest in a fund with a low expense ratio.  Another thing you need to know while investing is the exit load or the sum you pay while withdrawing the money from the fund. The purpose of exit load is to stop investors from exiting the fund prematurely. The exit load usually becomes nil after a year of investment. Thus, it is beneficial to be aware of the terms and conditions.  Once you have considered things like goals, time horizons, and risk appetite, you can choose from the different types of mutual funds. Next, you can check out the expense ratio and exit load of the chosen scheme. Good performance in the past might not be guaranteed the same in the future. Nevertheless, it is wise to check out the track record of the fund manager.  A wise thing to do is invest your money in different funds instead of investing all of it in one. Once you have followed all these steps systematically, choose the right mutual fund. FAQs How do I know which mutual fund is best for me? Here is a checklist to help you determine the best mutual fund category: Identify your goals Find out your risk profile Find out your time horizon Figure out the amount needed for goals Talk to a financial advisor What are the different types of mutual funds? There are many categories within mutual funds such as equity, debt, and hybrid. There are further categories like small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap, multiple-cap mutual funds as well. What is an expense ratio in mutual funds?  The expense ratio is the money charged to you by the assets management company for managing your funds. The higher the expense ratio, the lower the returns from an investment. Thus, it is wise to invest in a fund with a low expense ratio.  What is a Hybrid mutual fund? Hybrid mutual funds are a combination of equity and debt funds. This fund is often chosen by low-risk investors because despite offering low risk, it generates better returns than debt funds.  What is a Debt mutual fund?  Debt funds invest in government securities, corporate bonds, treasury bills, and other such money-market instruments. Unlike equity funds, they do not get affected by market fluctuations and generate fixed returns.

What is Market capitalization? The market capitalization of a company is the number of outstanding shares of that particular company multiplied by the price of each share. It is an indicator of the size of the company based on its market value. Market Capitalisation = (Number of shares outstanding) * (Share Price) Market capitalizations of companies are broadly classified into three types - Market CapitalisationRank In CountryExampleLarge CapGreater than Rs 20,000 CrTop 100 CompaniesReliance Industries, InfosysMid CapGreater than Rs 5000 Cr, but less than Rs 20,000 CrRank among 100-250 companiesCastrol India, LIC Housing FinanceSmall CapLess Than Rs 5000 CrRanked lower than 250Hathway Cable, Thyrocare Technologies Ltd Companies with large market capitalizations are typically market leaders in their respective sectors and are considered to be reliable. These companies also have strong financials which aid in maintaining stability despite market fluctuations and economic conditions/downturns. These stocks tend to underperform when compared to small-cap and mid-cap companies with respect to returns. However, they also tend to offer low volatility and high stability; and hence are suitable for risk-averse investors. Funds that invest a large % of their total assets into companies with high/large market capitalization tend to be more stable than others. These funds are known to often generate a profit for their investors due to the stable performance of their underlying securities. These funds are suitable for investors looking to invest for a long-term horizon of 5-7 years. These funds stay strong and deliver stable returns despite the economic downturns (bear market) and hence are suitable for investors looking for low-risk options for wealth creation. Scheme NameReturn 1 Year (%) DirectReturn 3 Year (%) DirectReturn 5 Year (%) DirectDaily AUM (Cr.)Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund57.9417.7518.382,250.25Axis Bluechip Fund46.3216.5518.3425,134.85Kotak Bluechip Fund66.7014.1115.632,392.31BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund51.6814.0315.111,041.16Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund61.4713.7717.7823,976.51UTI Master share Fund62.3513.4815.367,823.84 Let us now take a look at 6 large-cap funds that have delivered good returns over the past few years and how they have performed. 1. Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund Minimum Investment Amount (Lump Sum)Rs 5000Minimum SIP Investment AmountRs 1000Expense Ratio 0.58% Performance The fund has delivered an annualized return of 17.75% over the last 3 years and has constantly outperformed its benchmark (S&P BSE 100 Total Return Index). The fund has also outperformed other funds and the category average. Pros The expense ratio is on the lower end Fund has higher 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year returns as compared to the category average. Cons None 2. Axis Bluechip Fund Minimum Investment Amount (Lump Sum)Rs 5000Minimum SIP Investment AmountRs 500Expense Ratio 0.50% Performance The fund has delivered an annualized return of 16.55% over the last 3 years and has constantly outperformed its benchmark (NIFTY 50 Total Return Index). The fund has also outperformed other funds and the category average. Pros  The expense ratio is on the lower end Fund has higher 3-year and 5-year returns as compared to the category average. Cons The AUM of the fund is greater than 15,000 Cr. The performance of the fund with respect to the returns stagnates when the fund crosses this AUM threshold. Investors should keep an eye on the performance by monitoring the returns of the fund. 3. Kotak Bluechip Fund Minimum Investment Amount (Lump Sum)Rs 1000Minimum SIP Investment AmountRs 100Expense Ratio 0.92% Performance The fund has delivered an annualized return of 14.11% over the last 3 years and has constantly outperformed its benchmark (NIFTY 50 Total Return Index).  Pros The expense ratio is on the lower end Fund has higher 3-year and 5-year returns as compared to the category average Cons None 4. BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund Minimum Investment Amount (Lump Sum)Rs 5000Minimum SIP Investment AmountRs 300Expense Ratio 1.02% Performance The fund has delivered an annualized return of 14.03% over the last 3 years and has constantly outperformed its benchmark (NIFTY 50 Total Return Index).  Pros The expense ratio is on the lower end Fund has higher 3-year and 5-year returns as compared to the category average. Cons None 5. Mirae asset Large Cap Fund Minimum Investment Amount (Lump Sum)Rs 5000Minimum SIP Investment AmountRs 1000Expense Ratio 0.54% Performance The fund has delivered an annualized return of 13.77% over the last 3 years and has constantly outperformed its benchmark (NIFTY 100 Total Return Index).  Pros The expense ratio is on the lower end Fund has higher 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year returns as compared to the category average. Cons The AUM of the fund is greater than 15,000 Cr. The performance of the fund with respect to the returns stagnates when the fund crosses this AUM threshold. Investors should keep an eye on the performance by monitoring the returns of the fund. 6. UTI Master share Fund Minimum Investment Amount (Lump Sum)Rs 5000Minimum SIP Investment AmountRs 1000Expense Ratio 1.02% Performance The fund has delivered an annualized return of 13.48% over the last 3 years and has constantly outperformed its benchmark (S&P BSE 100 Total Return Index).  Pros  The expense ratio is on the lower end Fund has higher 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year returns as compared to the category average. Cons None FAQs What is Market capitalization? The market capitalization of a company is the number of outstanding shares of that particular company multiplied by the price of each share. It is an indicator of the size of the company based on its market value. Which large-cap funds to invest in 2023? Here are some of the best large cap funds to invest in 2023: Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity FundUTI Master share FundMirae asset Large Cap FundBNP Paribas Large Cap Fund This is not an investment advise. Please consult a financial expert before starting any investments. What is a large-cap fund? Funds that invest in companies with large market capitalizations that are typically market leaders in their respective sectors and are considered to be reliable, are called large-cap funds. Large cap companies such as Reliance, TATA Steel, Apple, Microsoft and many more. Conclusion Listed above were the best large-cap mutual funds to invest in 2021. You can start investing in them through the EduFund platform by just downloading the app and signing up. DisclaimerMutual fund investments are subject to market risks. The past performance of any fund is no surety of its future performance. Please do your own research on the risks associated.

Investing in mutual funds for your child’s education is always advisable. First of all, it is a less stressful option than investing in direct equity stocks because that requires you to have in-depth knowledge of market trends and fluctuations. Secondly, with mutual funds, there are a variety of schemes you can opt for depending on a range of factors. These factors could include the time period for which you can invest before liquidating, the amount of money you can invest, the amount you require to secure the education fund, the level of risk you can take, and so on.  When it comes to building an education fund, here are the top 5 types of mutual funds you can choose from. 1. Large-cap mutual funds The defining characteristic of large-cap equity funds is the fact that these funds invest in the top 100 Indian companies that have the highest market value. Large-cap mutual funds can bring in impressive returns if you remain invested for a long period. If you are a person who wants to avoid taking very high risks with your investments and has decided to invest early for your child’s education, this is the way to go. The average returns rate has historically beaten that of Fixed Deposits and similar investment alternatives. SIP Mutual Fund Investment Read More 2. Mid-cap mutual funds Mid-cap funds invest in Indian companies that come in the next best 250 in terms of market value. These funds are for you if you are ready to take on a higher level of risk. Justifiably, the return rates also tend to get higher. One way to satiate the risk appetite of mid-cap equity funds is to let them season for at least 7-10 years. If your child is in primary or middle school, investing in such a scheme will generate a wholesome amount of wealth by the time they are ready to pursue a college education.   How to track Mutual Funds? Read More 3. Equity-linked saving schemes  Among the various perks of investing in mutual funds is the tax deduction benefit. Equity Linked Saving Schemes are devoted to enabling investors to save taxes, as the name also indicates.  The only catch here is that it has a compulsory lock-in period of at least 3 years. The aim here is to keep you invested longer to counter the risk level. If you can spare that amount of time, then ELSS is definitely a go-to. An added benefit is the historically high level of returns.   Mutual Funds to invest in Child Education Read More 4. Low-risk options  There is this whole myth surrounding mutual funds that they only come with a high-risk factor. On the contrary, a debt fund is also a kind of mutual fund that comes with low risk, so much so that it remains undisturbed by market fluctuations.  Debt funds are still a better option than Fixed Deposits because they can generate a higher percentage of returns. So, if you are not in favor of taking high risks, debt funds are a go-to.  5. Hybrid mutual funds  If you are confused about your investment options or even hesitant about risking too much, the answer to your problems is a hybrid mutual fund. This kind of fund is a mixture of equity as well as debt.  Hybrid mutual funds bring in the best of both worlds. They tend to generate good returns at low risk. FAQs What are the different types of mutual funds? Large-cap mutual funds Mid-cap mutual funds Equity-linked saving schemes Low-risk options Hybrid mutual funds Which type of MF is best? The best type of mutual fund is the Hybrid mutual fund. Which MF gives the highest return? Equity-linked mutual funds are considered the mutual funds with the highest returns. Conclusion There will be miscellaneous financial goals you will be required to set if you are a family person. One among these might be to straighten up the roadmap to your child’s academic and career aspirations. The first step is calculating your expected expenses with the help of an education cost calculator. The calculator will help you draw your investment map to fulfill your child's aspirations. The earlier you invest, the more prepared you will be to make critical decisions as the moment arrives. DisclaimerMutual funds are subject to market risks. The previous performance of a fund is no guarantee of future success. Please reach out to an expert to know more about the schemes before investing.

If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”   Warren Buffet Many people view saving and investing as the same thing. But they are not. You need to find a way to invest your money so that your money can work for you. There are many reasons to invest like planning for retirement, planning for your child's education, planning to bear inflation, or could be to save tax & create wealth, etc.  Let’s see what the reason for investing could be:  Financial Security – In the first place, people want to be financially secure so that they can protect themselves from unanticipated financial hardship.  Financial Independence – Your investments allow you to have financial independence as you reach retirement.  Building Wealth – People invest to create wealth from the process of saving and then investing the savings.   Attaining Any Specific Goal – Some people invest to achieve specific goals like child education.  You should always consider long-term investing to minimize your risk and let compounding work for you.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3-JVg9rhDbM Why should you invest in ELSS?  There are many investment instruments available in the market to save taxes like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme), PPF (Public Provident Fund), NSC (National Savings Certificate), and Tax Savings Fixed Deposits (FD). But there are many reasons to invest in the ELSS fund. ELSS fund is an effective way to create wealth and to save tax at the same time under one roof. ELSS funds are professionally managed funds.  ELSS funds invest in equity and equity-related securities. ELSS is the only mutual fund class that is eligible for a tax deduction. You can save up to ₹46,800 /- (tax deduction up to ₹1,50,000/-) in a financial year by investing in ELSS, which is covered under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act,1961. However, you can invest more than the designated amount; but there will be no tax benefit over ₹1.5 lac.  Let’s see what are the benefits of investing in ELSS:  Shorter Lock-In Period – ELSS has a short lock-in period of 3 years. Unlike the PPF, NSC & Tax Saver FD, all of which require a 5-15-years lock-in period.  High Returns – ELSS funds invest predominantly in equity and equity-related securities; the returns are higher than the other investment options with tax benefits. Historical returns show 12%-15% p.a. Higher returns will also help beat inflation.  Flexibility – There are two ways to invest in ELSS funds - SIP & Lumpsum. If you cannot invest in Lumpsum, then you can consider going with the SIP option.   Comparison between ELSS vs PPF vs Tax Saver FD vs NPS Investment ELSS PPF NSC Tax Saver FD Lock-in 3 Years 15 Years 5 years 5 Years Annual Returns Market-linked, historical returns show 12%-15% 7.10% 6.80% 6.00% Risk Market-related risk Low risk Low risk Low risk Minimum Investment ₹ 500 ₹ 500 ₹ 1,000 ₹ 100 Tax Benefit Yes Yes Yes Yes Maximum Deduction ₹ 1,50,000 ₹ 1,50,000 ₹ 1,50,000 ₹ 1,50,000 Premature/Partial Withdrawal Not Allowed Allowed only after 5th Year Under only special circumstances Not Allowed Taxation on Returns LTCG Applicable Tax-Free Tax Applicable TDS Applicable  ELSS of the Month 2023: Mirae Asset Tax Saver Direct Plan-Growth Objective The investment objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation from a diversified portfolio of predominantly equity and equity-related instruments. The scheme does not guarantee or assure any returns.  Performance  Trailing Returns % Fund Benchmark Category 3 Years Annualized 26.71 20.15 18.29 5 Years Annualized 24.01 18.18 16.61  Invested Returns Accumulated Annualized Return (XIRR) Cumulative Return ₹ 7,30,000 ₹ 7,64,439 ₹ 14,94,439 23.99% 264.48%  Source: EduFund Note: Considering investing 10,000/month from Dec’15 to Dec’22 Suitability – For any investor looking to save tax on income through investment in the mutual fund.  Risk – High risk, as returns are totally dependent upon market risk. Returns are not guaranteed.  FAQs Why should you invest? Financial Security – In the first place, people want to be financially secure so that they can protect themselves from unanticipated financial hardship.  Financial Independence – Your investments allow you to have financial independence as you reach retirement.  Building Wealth – People invest to create wealth from the process of saving and then investing the savings.   Attaining Any Specific Goal – Some people invest to achieve specific goals like child education. Why should you invest in ELSS?  ELSS fund is an effective way to create wealth and to save tax at the same time under one roof. ELSS funds are professionally managed funds.  ELSS funds invest in equity and equity-related securities. ELSS is the only mutual fund class that is eligible for a tax deduction. Which is the best ELSS fund for 2023? ELSS of the Month 2023: Mirae Asset Tax Saver Direct Plan-Growth Conclusion When we have the best investment vehicle available to save tax then, why do we need to run for conventional tools to save tax? Every investor has a different risk appetite, but if anyone is ready to hold their investment for 15 years in an instrument like PPF then, he/she should consider investing in the ELSS funds that tend to give greater returns in the long term. DisclaimerMutual fund investments are subject to market risks. The previous performance of any fund is no guarantee of similar future performance. Please read the offer document carefully before investing.

Everyone speaks about the rewards of preparing early for education funds and securing them as soon as possible. What they forget to explain is how to reach that goal. Fear not, for we have prepared a list of things you might want to tick off if you want to secure your child’s education.  1. Choosing the right platform is important There are a number of investment platforms available for investors. As an investor with a goal in mind (the education fund for your child), it is important to choose a platform that is built for that purpose or has certain advantages in the pursuit of your goal. There are two great advantages of choosing a goal-specific platform - one, you separate your investments in a way that you know how much amount is set aside for that particular goal every month, and second, you get the added goal-related benefits that the platform could offer. In the case of EduFund, a platform built for parents to save for their children's education fund, you have added advantages like readily available education loans if you fall short, or free counseling if your child needs it. 2. Investing in the right mutual funds  Once you decide to invest in mutual funds to achieve higher returns than Fixed Deposits, you also need to do your research to find which investment schemes are best suited for you. Many factors play crucial roles in this procedure. For example, one of the first things you need to consider is the balance between your monetary goals and the level to which these will be fulfilled by the fund returns and the risk associated.  Time is another important factor that will shape your decision in this matter. You also need to consider what exactly you want out of your investment whether it is tax reductions high returns with high risks or more stabilized returns with low risks. To indulge in smart investments, stay aware of the best investment schemes currently trending in the stock market. 3. Investing in international stocks Parents who like to stay alert about the current trends related to the education system and finances must be well aware of the phenomenon called education inflation. This is what makes a global education exponentially more expensive than one attained within India.  The value of the Indian Rupee has depreciated over the years against foreign currencies like the American dollar. This means that the cost of a course pursued in a foreign land like the US or the UK will be tenfold compared to the same course pursued in this country. The cost of living will be equally high overseas. A smart way to deal with this problem is to invest in international equity funds. This means higher returns because if you invest in US stocks, you will be earning in dollars, not rupees. Moreover, if your investments in Indian stocks get affected by market fluctuations, you can still depend upon your foreign stock investments which will remain relatively more stable.  4. Consider the availability of education loans  Sometimes your life savings and your investment returns are not enough to fund your child’s education. Do not worry. Education loans can take care of your child’s aspirations in such situations. Even if you are in a position to be able to afford your kid’s dream college, student loans are still a healthy way to teach your kid the value of money and how to build credit.   Creditworthiness is a virtue that will financially discipline your child so that they can make monetary decisions in your absence. It will also ensure that they can take future loans as part of their education fund at low interest rates. Only loans exceeding a very high amount of money require collateral or a security deposit, which means you can easily avail of student loans.  5. The right guidance for your children Career and academic counseling sessions are crucial for your kid if they are going through a transition phase in their lives. As their primary caregiver, you are entitled to guide their way but sometimes what might be required is professional help. You are longer required to pay for these counseling sessions. A platform like EduFund offers them the best education counseling services in India for free of cost. Let nothing stop your child from achieving their goals.  6. Expert advice to get you to your goal EduFund believes in helping you attain as much clarity on financial affairs as possible. In case of expert advice on investment, you can rely on the world-class experts from EduFund. The Edufund app provides you with all the useful tools to attain the best from your child’s education fund.  For example, it comes with a calculator that helps you calculate the education cost. This is a smart calculator developed to give you inflation-adjusted rates. This is the first step toward getting an idea of how much you will need to invest or save up as an education fund.  Conclusion What seems like a mammoth task can be easily managed by dividing it into smaller tasks and simplifying it. Each small step is quite crucial in itself. But once you have the checklist ready, you can be sure if not losing sight of things. FAQs How do I plan my child's education fund? Starting early is key to building your child's education fund. You can start saving with mutual funds, PPF, US stocks, Indian stocks, fixed deposits, and much more. Before starting it is important to consult a financial advisor and figure out the cost of education before starting an SIP. Which fund is best for child education? Here are some of the best funds for your child's education fund: Axis Long-Term Equity FundSBI Equity Hybrid FundParag Parikh Flexi Cap FundAditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 Fund Growth Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Plan-GrowthDSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund Growth Axis Long-Term Equity Fund Growth How do you build a corpus for child education? The first step to building a corpus for a child's education fund is to figure out the cost using the College Cost Calculator. Knowing the financial goal you need to invest in before starting a SIP helps you remain focused and know the exact amount you need to save monthly to get started. DisclaimerMutual fund investments are subject to market risks. The previous performance of a fund or scheme is no guarantee of future success. Please read the offer document carefully before investing.

Look at the market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; Profit from folly rather than participate in it.” Warren Buffet Market falling or fluctuation is extremely common. The market (NIFTY50 Index) has corrected by 6.31% from its recent peak of 18350 (17th Jan 2022) to 17149 (25th Jan 2022) & 7.82% from its all-time high of 18604 (19th Oct 2021).  Market movement for 15 days before & after the budget  Decoding the charts The EduFund Research Team has performed the study to determine the reason for the recent fall in the markets and here’s what they came up with.  Reasons for the fall Tightening of monetary policy by the US Fed department  Lower than expected results of major corporates  Tension on the borders of Ukraine-Russia  How the fall affects you?  According to Nifty50’s data for the past 2 years, we can see that the market has fallen by 6.56% in 2020 and 7.83% in 2021, just before the budget. And after these falls, the market rebounded 5.32% & 13.49% in 2019 & 2020 - in a short time frame from the correction.  This means that there is actually no need to be worried about the fall in the market. After the budget, we could see a positive movement in the market.  We believe such correction/volatility in the market is a great time for long-term investors.  Make the most of the recent market fluctuations  These short-term market fluctuations and volatility actually provide a good entry point in an otherwise rising market.   Also, if you are an investor investing through the SIP route, you should not panic about these volatile situations. Instead, let the rupee cost averaging work in your favor by topping up a lump sum during this time. India is currently trading at a PE of 24.84 (Median – 20.45).  Take a look at some of the top funds you can invest in Fund Name Category Annualized Returns (3-Years) Risk ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Direct-Growth Corporate Bond 8.19% Low Tata Hybrid Equity Direct Growth Hybrid 15.28% Average Mirae Asset Large-cap Fund Direct-Growth Large-cap 18.61% Moderately High DSP Flexi-cap Fund Direct Growth Flexi-Cap 23.02% High  FAQs What is the reason of market going down? Tightening of monetary policy by the US Fed department  Lower than expected results of major corporates  Tension on the borders of Ukraine-Russia How the fall affects you?  According to Nifty50’s data for the past 2 years, we can see that the market has fallen by 6.56% in 2020 and 7.83% in 2021, just before the budget. And after these falls, the market rebounded 5.32% & 13.49% in 2019 & 2020 - in a short time frame from the correction. Should you stop your investments during market fluctuations? Yes, it is important to check on your investments when market fluctuates but stopping and/or pausing depends on the type of investment and the effect of the market on the industry. Consult your financial advisor before making changes to your portfolio. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

A full and fruitful life necessitates a high-quality education. For several, it is the equivalent of graduating from a prestigious university. However, the cost of education is increasingly rising. In reality, the price of attending a reputable university is already very high. Parents who plan their child’s education in advance and want to provide them with the best opportunities possible to invest their money in mutual funds (MFs), fixed deposits (FDs), and unit-linked insurance policies (ULIPs). However, amid all of this, there could be a financial shortfall. In such a situation, an education loan plays a critical role in bridging the gap between the amount in hand and the total amount needed. According to research, education costs are rising at a rate of 15% per year on average. In 15 years, the cost of an MBA is expected to rise from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. So, if a couple saves Rs 2,500 per month for 15 years at a rate of 12%, they would have saved about Rs 12.5 lakhs. Now, you all must have some questions in your mind regarding the intricacies of availing of an education loan. We have tried to answer a few commonly asked questions to enhance your understanding Apply for Education Loans 1. Who can apply for the loan? The primary creditor is a student. A co-applicant may be a parent, partner, or sibling. 2. What is covered by a student loan? It includes the basic course fee and other costs such as (college) housing, exams, and other miscellaneous expenses. 3. To whom is the loan being extended? It is available to students who wish to study in India or further their education outside of the country. The overall sum available for studies in India and abroad differs from one bank to the next. 4. For what courses can the loan be availed? It is available as a full-time, part-time, or vocational course leading to graduation or post-graduation in engineering, management, medical, hotel management, architecture, and other fields. Is it advisable to opt for Education Loans for an Online Degree? Read More 5. What are the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements? To be eligible for the loan, one must be an Indian citizen who has been accepted into a college or university that is recognized by a competent authority in India or abroad. The applicant must have completed his senior high school education. Some banks provide a loan even before a student has been accepted to a university. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines state that there is no upper age limit, but some banks may impose them. Additional documents such as the institution's admission letter, fee structure, and Class X, XII, and graduation (if applicable) mark sheets are required by the banks. The co-income applicant's records, such as salary slips or income-tax returns (ITR), are also needed. 6. Is collateral required for financing the loan? Depending on the number, banks will fund up to 100% of the loan. There is currently no margin money available for loans up to Rs 4 lakh. To study in India, the applicant must contribute 5% of the necessary funds. The needed margin money for international studies, on the other hand, rises to 15%. Banks may also need collateral for loans exceeding Rs 7.5 lakh. For loans up to Rs 4 lakh, financial institutions currently do not need any collateral or third-party guarantee. A third-party guarantee is required for loans between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh. For loans exceeding Rs 7.5 lakh, a security deposit is required. According to the fee structure, when a loan application is approved, the banks send the funds directly to the college or university. 7. What is the rate of interest charged on the education loan? To set an interest rate, banks use the Marginal Cost of Funds Lending Rate (MCLR) which in India ranges anywhere from 7% to 8% plus a spread (about 1-2.5%). The additional distribution is currently in the 1.35-3 percent range (as of 2017). 8. What is the process of repayment? The individual availing the loan for their education is responsible for repaying the loan. In most cases, repayment begins when the course is completed. Some banks also give you a six-month grace period after you get a job or a year after you finish your studies before you have to pay back your loan. The repayment period is usually between 5 and 7 years, but it may also be extended. The bank charges a basic interest rate on a loan over the repayment period. The student's equated monthly installment (EMI) burden for future repayments is reduced by paying basic interest during the course duration. 9. What precautions should one take while applying? When availing of the loan, one must consider bank fees such as transaction fees, pre-payment fees, late EMI payment fees, and so on. The majority of lenders charge a processing fee of 0.15 percent of the total loan amount. 10. Are there any tax benefits? The interest paid on the repayment is deductible under Section 80E of the Internal Revenue Code. This tax benefit is only available to people who are paying interest on a personal loan. The whole amount of interest charged is deductible from your taxable profits. This deduction can be taken for up to 8 years. There are no tax deductions available for the principal sum. FAQs What is an education loan? An education loan is a type of loan given to students who wish to pursue higher education but fall short of finances. Its primary goal is to help students sponsor their higher education. The eligibility criteria for education loans is simple, it requires students to be above the age of 18 and must have an offer letter. Is collateral required for financing the education loans? There are two types of education loans, one with collateral and the other one without collateral requirements. Depending upon the loan amount, banks may require the applicant to submit collateral as security. Loans below 4-5 lakhs do not require collateral, however, the policy may differ based on the issuing party. What are some precautions one should take before taking an education loan? When availing of the loan, one must consider bank fees such as transaction fees, pre-payment fees, late EMI payment fees, and so on. The majority of lenders charge a processing fee of 0.15 percent of the total loan amount. Conclusion Good education is extremely important in the present dynamic world which not only boosts self-confidence in students but also equips them with skills that in turn help them lead their best lives. Hence, taking a loan might look frightening but in the long run, it definitely pays off provided the student is focused and makes the best of the opportunity. You can fill in a simple form to get started with your education loan application. Also, since an education loan is a person's first loan, it aids in the creation of a good credit score. If you repay the loan on time and without defaults, it will be easier for you to obtain a home loan, car loan, or any type of loan in the future.