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What financial barometer would you use to gauge the economy's health if you had to choose only one?  The S&P 500 is the de facto daily economic index in the United States. Even though the S&P 500 is given second billing in the financial press and receives little attention elsewhere, its significance is critical.   Let's learn about the S&P 500 in this article.  What is the S&P 500?  The S&P 500 is a stock market index that tracks the stock prices of 500 of the country's top publicly traded corporations. It covers corporations from 11 industries to represent the stock market's and economy's health in the United States.   The S&P 500, often known as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index – is one of the most used indices for tracking the performance of U.S. equities.  What companies make up the S&P 500, and how does the index stack up?  Companies need to meet some criteria in order to be in the index.   Have a market capitalization of at least $8.2 billion, which refers to the total value of the company's outstanding shares.  Be based in the United States.  Assume the form of a corporation and issue common stock.  Be listed on a U.S. exchange that qualifies. (REITs, or real estate investment trusts, are eligible for inclusion.)  Have positive as-reported earnings in the most recent quarter and during the last four quarters combined?  Due to this criterion, only the largest and most stable firms in the country can be included in the S&P 500. The list is re-evaluated and updated every quarter.  The index tracks the market capitalization of the businesses in the S&P 500 index. The entire value of all shares of stock issued by a corporation is its market cap.   It is calculated by multiplying the stock price by the number of shares issued. A corporation having a market capitalization of $200 billion will be represented twenty times as much as a company having a market capitalization of $10 billion.   As of January 2022, the S&P 500 had a cumulative market cap of $34 trillion.  Top 10 constituents by index weight in the S&P 500 CompanyStock TickerSectorMicrosoft Corp.MSFTInformation TechnologyApple IncAAPLInformation TechnologyAmazon.com IncAMZNConsumer DiscretionaryFacebook Inc AFBCommunication ServicesAlphabet Inc AGOOGLCommunication ServicesAlphabet Inc CGOOGCommunication ServicesJohnson & JohnsonJNJHealthcareBerkshire Hathaway BBRK.BFinancialsVISA Inc AVInformation TechnologyProctor and GamblePGConsumer Staples The S&P 500 sector breakdown as of January 2022 included  The S&P index performance  Without adjusting for inflation, the average yearly rate of return of the S&P 500 (that comprises dividends) has been around 10% for nearly a century. However, keep in mind that this does not guarantee a yearly return of 10% on an S&P 500 index fund.  S&P 500 milestones  The table below depicts several S&P 500 milestone events, including highs and lows and memorable occasions.  June 4, 1968100.38First time above 100Oct. 19, 1987224.84Black MondayMarch 24, 1995500.97First close above 500Feb. 2, 19981,001.27First close above 1,000Oct. 9, 20071,565.15Highest close before the financial crisisOct. 13, 20081,003.35Largest % gain of 11.6%Aug. 26, 20142,000.02First close above 2,000Sept. 21, 20182,929.67New record highFeb. 19, 20192,779.76New record highJuly 12, 20193,013.77First close above 3,000March 12, 20202,480.64Largest % decline since Black Monday entered bear marketMarch 23, 20202,237.40Stock crash lowAugust 18, 20203,389.78New record high end of a bear marketAugust 28, 20203,508.01Closes above 3,500April 1, 20214,019.87Closes above 4,000Oct. 13, 20214,519.63Closes above 4,500 How to invest in the S&P 500 index?  You don't have to buy all 500 stocks in the S&P 500 to invest in the index. Investors can also trade in individual equities directly.   Investors can choose from various index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds track the S&P 500 index's performance this is, in fact, one of the most effective strategies for novice investors to get their toes wet in the financial markets.   Some popular S&P 500 index funds Vanguard 500 Index Investor Shares (VFINX)  Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)  Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)  T. Rowe Price Equity Index 500 Fund (PREIX)  Some popular S&P 500 ETFs SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)  iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)  Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)  SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG)  FAQs What is the S&P 500 in simple terms? S&P 500, or Standard and Poor’s 500, is a stock market index that tracks 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. It is one of the most commonly followed equity indices. What is the S&P 500 and how does it work? S&P 500 is one of the most commonly followed equity indices in the United States. The index tracks 500 large companies listed on the stock exchanges. The S&P 500 is a free-floated weighted index. It is calculated by multiplying the stock price by the number of shares issued. What is the difference between S&P 500 and S&P 500 index? The S&P 500 index and the total stock market index fund represent US stocks only. While S&P 500 index tracks only large-cap stocks, the total stock market index includes small, mid and large-cap stocks. What does S&P 500 index include? The S&P 500 is a stock market index that tracks the stock prices of 500 of the country’s top publicly traded corporations. It covers corporations from 11 industries to represent the stock market’s and economy’s health in the United States. Consult an expert advisor to find the right plan for you 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. Let us talk about the flagship product – DSP Equity & Bond Fund. DSP Equity & Bond Fund  - Investment objective The primary investment objective of the Scheme is to seek to generate long-term capital appreciation and current income from a portfolio constituted of equity and equity-related securities as well as fixed-income securities (debt and money market securities).  - Investment process   The DSP Equity & Bond Fund invests in a good mix of equity & debt instruments, trying to deliver equity-like returns with a slightly lower risk profile. The equity portion is well diversified across multiple sectors & different-sized companies while the debt portion is mostly in highly rated debt instruments with shorter-term maturity profiles  - Portfolio composition  The portfolio has an equity exposure of 65%+ while debt exposure is kept at less than 35%. The major equity exposure is around 62% in a large cap. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 43% of the portfolio, with major exposure to the banking and finance sector. Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: dspim.com  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % HDFC Bank Ltd. Bank 7.69 ICICI Bank Ltd. Bank 5.52 Bajaj Finance Ltd. Financial Services 4.34 Infosys Ltd. Information Technology 3.47 Avenue Supermarts Ltd. Retail 3.08 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: ICICI Pru AMC  Performance over 23 years  If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 2.2 lakhs. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – May 27, 1999, as on Nov 11, 2022 Source: Moneycontrol The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of more than 23 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.36%  Fund managers  Atul Bhole – Mr. Atul is the Vice President of Investments of DSP Blackrock Investment Managers. He has been managing the fund as a Co-Manager since 2016.  Dhaval Gada – Mr. Dhaval has been managing the fund since September 2022. He is also the Vice President of Investments of DSP Mutual Fund.  Vikram Chopra – Mr. Vikram comes with an industry experience of 14 years. He has been actively managing this fund since July 2016.  Who should invest in DSP Equity & Bond Fund?  Investors  Looking to invest in the equity markets but don't know how to begin.  Have the patience & mental resilience to remain invested for a decade or more.  Why invest in DSP Equity & Bond Fund?  This fund is the simplest way to get the benefit of asset allocation with a balance of growth & stability orientation.  Potential capital preservation during falling markets due to debt allocation.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  This DSP Equity & Bond Fund offers the potential to grow your wealth over the long term and potential capital preservation during falling markets due to debt allocation. This fund offers debt allocation to control losses during major market collections.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only

DSP Group is a 150+ years old financial entity, started back in the 1860s with its stock broking business. And gradually they entered the mutual fund industry.  DSP AMC was incorporated in 1996, and it is one of India’s leading AMC in India. DSP AMCs offer a wide range of products to meet the requirement of every investor in the best way by offering mutual funds. DSP AMC has schemes across debt, equity, hybrid, international funds, and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). It holds 25 years of Honest Asset Management. For over two decades, DSP has helped its investors to take responsible money decisions based on two pillars i.e., honesty & integrity.  DSP Flexi Cap Fund  Investment objective An open-ended growth scheme, seeking to generate long-term capital appreciation, from a portfolio that is substantially constituted of equity securities and equity-related securities of issuers domiciled in India. Investment process The DSP Flexi Cap Fund follows a growth style of investing which consists of growth stocks of large-, mid and small-cap companies. The investment philosophy of the fund is to buy quality businesses, stay invested, and use corrections to average down.  The portfolio construction involves investing across the market capitalization spectrum. The fund core portfolio is based on long-term themes, a core equity portfolio of 75% - 80%, and a tactical equity portfolio of 20% - 25% with a total number of stocks of 50-70. Framework to identify companies are business strength, management quality, and growth prospects. Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 61% and sectorally major exposure is to financial services that account for more than one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 73% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Value Research  https://youtube.com/shorts/3iy-aCJoJmo DSP Flexi-Cap Fund - Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % HDFC Bank Financial 9.96 ICICI Bank Financial 7.34 Bajaj Finance Limited Financial 5.96 Infosys Technology 4.50 Avenue Supermarts Limited Services 4.07 Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Value Research  Performance over 25 years  If you would have invested 10 lakhs at the inception of the DSP Flexi Cap Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 8.12 crore.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Apr 29, 1997, till Nov 14, 2022. Source: Moneycontrol  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 25 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 18.77%.  Fund manager  Atul Bhole: Prior to joining DSP Mutual Fund, he worked with Tata Mutual Fund, JP Morgan Services Pvt. Ltd., and SBI Treasury.  Who should invest in the DSP Flexi Cap Fund?  Investors looking to  Hold multi-cap companies i.e. large/mid/small cap under one umbrella  Invest in market leaders of different size  Why invest in the DSP Flexi Cap Fund?  One-stop option for equity investments, investors no need to decide on large/mid/small cap allocation  The fund owns high-quality companies with good prospects, which are good for long-term  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 DSP Flexi Cap Fund has a well-diversified portfolio of 52 stocks that have delivered consistent returns over 25 years with a proven track record with an 18.77% CAGR consistently. The fund is suitable for investors who want to have a core equity portfolio and tactical equity portfolio under one fund. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

DSP Group is a 150+ years old financial entity, started back in the 1860s with its stock broking business. And gradually they entered the mutual fund industry.  DSP AMC was incorporated in 1996, and it is one of India’s leading AMC in India. DSP AMCs offer a wide range of products to meet the requirement of every investor in the best way by offering mutual funds. DSP AMC has schemes across debt, equity, hybrid, international funds, and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). It holds 25 years of Honest Asset Management. For over two decades, DSP has helped its investors to take responsible money decisions based on two pillars i.e., honesty & integrity. DSP Tax Saver Fund Investment objective   The primary investment objective of the Scheme is to seek to generate medium to long-term capital appreciation from a diversified portfolio that is substantially constituted of equity and equity-related securities of corporates and to enable investors to avail of a deduction from total income, as permitted under the Income Tax Act, 1961 from time to time. Investment process The DSP Tax Saver Fund follows a blended style of investing which consists of value and growth stocks of large-, mid, and small-cap companies. The investment philosophy of the fund is to buy fundamentally strong businesses, which are driven by growth drivers and valuation support to determine relative attractiveness.  Portfolio construction involves investing in market capitalization companies using top-down and bottom-up approaches. The fund focuses on long-term growth with a portfolio of 60-65 stocks. The fund tracks the stock performance v/s fundamental changes.  DSP Tax saver Fund portfolio composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 70% and sectorally major exposure is to financial services that account for more than one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 70% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Value Research Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % HDFC Bank Financial 8.91 ICICI Bank Financial 8.57 Infosys Technology 7.02 Axis Bank Financial 5.02 State Bank of India Financial 3.75 Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Value Research  Performance over 15 years If you would have invested 10 lakhs at the inception of the DSP Tax Saver Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 83.90 lakhs.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Jan 18, 2007, till Nov 14, 2022. Source: Moneycontrol  The DSP Tax Saver Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 15 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.38%.  Fund manager at DSP Tax saver fund direct growth Charanjit Singh  Prior to joining DSP Mutual Fund, he worked with Capital Goods, Power & Infra at B&K Securities India, Capital Goods and Infra at Axis Capital Ltd., BNP Paribas India Securities, Thomas Weisel Partners, HSBC, IDC Corp., and Frost & Sullivan.  Rohit Singhania  Prior to joining DSP AMC, he worked with HDFC Securities Ltd. and IL&FS Investsmart Limited.  Who should invest in DSP Tax Saver Fund?  Investors looking to  Save taxes by investing in an equity core portfolio  Invest in multi-cap equity allocation  Why invest in DSP Tax Saver Fund?  Strong stock selection approach using a combination of top-down and bottom-up selection criteria  Shortest lock-in period when it comes to the tax-saving asset class  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 follows a strong approach toward stock selection and tracks the performance of the same. The fund has delivered consistent returns over 15 years with a proven track record with a 14.38% CAGR consistently. The fund is suitable for investors who want to have core equity with tax benefits. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. Abhilash Anand - Equity Research Analyst Provides financial insights on publicly-traded companies and/or sectors to facilitate investment decisions.

ICICI is a leading Asset Management Company (AMC) in the country focused on bridging the gap between savings, and investments and creating long-term for investors through a range of simple and relevant investment solutions.   Let us talk about the flagship product – ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund (Tax Saving). About ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund  - Investment objective To generate long-term capital appreciation through investments made primarily in equity and equity-related securities of companies.   - Investment Process   Diversification across capitalizations: The scheme constitutes a portfolio, which is a blend of large, mid, and small-cap stocks. The fund manager may change the proportion of large-cap and mid/small-cap stocks in the portfolio depending on the market conditions.   Long-term focus: The three-year lock-in period in the ELSS category enables the fund manager to select stocks with a long-term view as there are no short-term redemption pressures, thus providing opportunities for potential returns.  - Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 73% and sectorally major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 67% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Value Research Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Financial Services 9.01 Infosys Technology 6.16 Axis Bank Financial Services 5.41 Bharti Airtel Communication 5.10 HDFC Bank Financial Services 4.26 Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Value Research  Performance over 22 years If you would have invested 10 lakhs at the inception of the ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 6.15 crore. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Aug 19, 1999, till Nov 7, 2022. Source: Moneycontrol  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 22 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 19.39%. Fund manager  Prior to joining ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, he worked with SBI Mutual Fund, Kotak Institutional Equities, CIMB Securities, RBS Equities India Pvt. Ltd., Indiabulls Securities Ltd., and Reliance Equities International Pvt. Ltd. Who should invest in ICICI Prudential Long-Term Equity Fund?  Investors looking to  Save tax by investing in an equity portfolio  Build core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation with steady growth  Why Invest in ICICI Prudential Long-Term Equity Fund?  ICICI is a renowned name in the finance industry with a proven track record  Strong stock selection approach with a diversified portfolio reducing concentration risk.  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 ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund is one of the best funds with a proven track record of 22 years and has delivered 20% CAGR consistently. Thus, suitable for investors who can take a little higher risk and can expect comparatively higher returns than other tax-saving options.   DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

CA, or chartered accountancy, is one of the most popular study courses chosen by students in India. Knowing “What are the total fees to become CA” is vital so that individuals can save and be prepared for it without any financial worries.  Students opting for CA exams have to pass three levels: CA Foundation (previously known as CPT), CA Intermediate, and CA Finals. Students have to focus also on practical training for three years under an authorized CA firm. This training starts after clearing the second level CA Intermediate and is generally completed before the CA Finals. Fees of CA foundation Overview of the total fees structure for CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Finals CA Course FeesCA FoundationCA IntermediateCA FinalsRegistration FeesIndian student -INR 9,000, Foreign student- $700Indian student – INR 11,000 for a single group and INR 15,000 for both groups. Foreign student -$600 for a single group and $1000 for both groupsIndian student – INR 22,000 Foreign student - $1000Examination FeesIndian student – INR 1500, Foreign student - $325Indian student – INR 1500 for single group and INR 2700 for both groups. Foreign student - $325 for a single group and $500 for both groupsIndian student - NR 1800 for single group and INR 3500 for both groups.Foreign student - $550 for both groupsLate FeesIndian student –INR 600Foreign student - $10Indian student – INR 600Foreign student - $10Indian student – INR 600Foreign student - $10 Registration fees Students aspiring to become CA have to clear the first-level CA Foundation to get entry into the study course. The registration forms are available twice a year, generally for May/June and November/December sessions.  The total fee for the CA Foundation exam for Indian Students is INR 10,900 and $ 1065 (nearly INR 87,145) for foreign students. The Break-up of the fee structure is as follows CA registration fees - INR 9,000 for Indian students and $700 (nearly INR 57,456) for international students. Journal membership fees (optional) - INR 200 for Indian students and $20 (nearly INR 1641) for international students. Examination fees - INR 1,500 for Indian students and $325 (nearly INR 26,676) for international students. Online form fees - INR 200 for Indian students and $20 (nearly INR 1,641) for international students. 1. Application/Examination fees For a centre in India - INR 1500. If the centre is Kathmandu – INR 2200. For centres in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai or Muscat – 325 USD (nearly INR 26,676). 2. Late Fees  Students have to pay INR 600 for centres in India and 10 USD (nearly INR 820) for overseas centres as late fees.  3. Reappearing Exams The validity for registration fees is three years, and after this period, the students have to pay INR 500 for revalidation. Students who fail to clear the CA Foundation have to pay the application fees repeatedly before a new attempt.  Fees structure for CA Intermediate Students have two options for registration at CA Intermediate level. The first is by clearing CA Foundation and registering for the Intermediate course. The second is a direct entry where graduates, post-graduates or students at the Intermediate level of CFA or CS courses are exempted from the Foundation level and can directly register for the Intermediate exams.  1. Registration Fees The registration fees for a single group and both groups of the CA Intermediate course for Indian Students are INR 11,000 and INR 15,000, respectively. For international students, the fees for single and both groups of CA Intermediate exams are $600 (nearly INR 49,248 ) and $1000 (nearly INR 82,080), respectively.  Indian students opting for direct entry have to pay INR 15,000 for both groups.  2. Application/Examination Fees The fees for Indian students are INR 2,700 for both groups and INR 1,500 for one group. Fees for overseas students are $500 (nearly INR 41,040) for both groups and $325 (nearly INR 26,676) for a single group.  3. Late Fees Students have to pay INR 600 for centres in India and Kathmandu and 10 USD (nearly INR 820) for other overseas centres as late fees.  4. Reappearing Exams The registration fees are validated for 4 years, after which the student has to pay INR 400 for revalidation.  5. Additional fees Student activity (conferences, seminars, workshops etc.) – INR 2,000. ICITSS Fees – INR 13,500 6. Articleship Fees At the start of practical training, students have to pay INR 2000 as articles fees along with INR 500 for the assessment test.  Fees structure for CA Finals 1. Registration Fees CA Final registration fees for both groups is INR 22,000 for Indian students and $1000 (nearly INR 82,080) for overseas students.  2. Application/Examination Fees The application/examination fees for Indian students are INR 3,500 for both groups and INR 1,800 for one group, and for overseas students, it is $550 (nearly INR 45,144) for both groups.  3. AICITSS Training  AICITSS Training is conducted in two parts, where students have to pay INR 7,000 and INR 7,500 for information technology and soft skills, respectively.  CA Fees Structure Summarised Reducing the price in half. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India must receive the first contribution, which is required, and the second portion, which is elective, is the coaching class charge.  Foundation fees is around 11,000 thousand.  Intermediate course fees are around 35,000 thousand.  Final fees are around 33,000 thousand  The total would be 78,000 thousand.  With Article ship stipend = 54000  So Rs 78,000 – Rs 54000 = rs. 24000  Thus, after adjusting for all the sums, the required contribution equals about Rs. 24000. It is also crucial to note that the ICAI enhanced this sum as a result of revisions to the syllabus at all levels. The price was previously even low!  How to save for CA?  Investing in mutual funds or SIP is one of the best ways to save for an education course like CA. You could opt to save through the goal-based saving feature on the Edufund App, as it will help achieve the desired target for, say, application fees in the near six months. Assess how much the total course will cost you and choose a suitable saving plan to achieve your goal.  Conclusion  The high salary of a CA and the growing demand for CAs have prompted students to choose this study course as their career. As you are now aware of the total fees to become CA, it will become easier to save for this course and ultimately become a part of the CA fraternity. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

ICICI is a leading Asset Management Company (AMC) in the country focused on bridging the gap between savings and investments and creating long-term for investors through a range of simple and relevant investment solutions.   Let us talk about the flagship product – ICICI Prudential Multi-Cap Fund. About ICICI Prudential Multi-Cap Fund  Investment objective To generate capital appreciation through investments in equity & equity-related instruments across large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap stocks of various industries.  Investment Process   The ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund follows a blended style of investing which consists of growth and value stocks of large-, mid and small-cap companies. The Scheme will aim to hold optimum exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks depending on the fund manager's view on market valuations.   The portfolio construction involves investing in high-conviction quality stocks. The Scheme will remain sector agnostic and would use a combination of top-down and bottom-up research for stock selection. A top-down approach will be based on macroeconomic conditions, and underlying trends while a bottom-up approach shall be followed for selecting stocks with growth prospects, low leverage levels, good corporate governance, robust financials, and good cash flow management.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 73% and sectorally major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 67% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Valueresearch  Top 5 Holdings  Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Financial 7.86 HDFC Bank Financial 3.96 TVS Motor Automobile 3.34 Infosys Technology 3.33 Sun Pharmaceutical Healthcare 2.42 Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Valueresearch  Performance over 28 years If you would have invested 10 lakhs at the inception of ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 4.7 crore.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Oct 01, 1994 till Nov 07, 2022. Source: Moneycontrol  The ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 28 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.67%. Fund manager  Anand Sharma: Prior to joining ICICI Prudential AMC, he worked with Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd.  Sankaran Naren: Prior to joining ICICI Prudential AMC, he worked with Refco Sify Securities India Pvt. Ltd., HDFC Securities Ltd., and Yoha Securities Who should invest in ICICI Prudential Multi-Cap Fund?  Investors looking to  Diversify their portfolio into multiple market capitalization company  Build core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation with steady growth  Why invest in ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund?  ICICI is a renowned name in the finance industry with a proven track record  Strong stock selection approach with a top-down and bottom-up approach  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 ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund has delivered consistent returns over 28 years with a proven track record and has delivered 14.67% CAGR consistently. Thus, suitable for investors who want to diversify their portfolio under one roof.   DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

Are you confused between buying digital gold vs physical gold? Gold is an extremely valuable commodity in India – in its physical form, there are jewelry, coinage, and biscuits. Gold is purchased to mark every momentous occasion. In fact, according to IGPC sponsored by the World Gold Council, more than 75% of Indian households own gold in some form or another.  But there is a new way of owning gold that is rapidly becoming popular in urban India – which is digital gold. Unlike physical gold, you can purchase digital gold at a minimal cost like Rs. 10 to Rs. 100. Let’s compare the two and find out which is the best option for you. What's Digital Gold?  Digital gold is a substitute for actual gold. Digital gold is available in India through a variety of apps and websites. A cost-effective and successful way to invest in gold is by purchasing digital gold. Digital gold is guaranteed by 24K gold that is 99.9% pure. Gold can be purchased for as little as 100 Indian rupees. Online sales and purchases take place at current market rates.   Consequently, the transaction will be completely transparent. Gold investments don't require additional transporting or storage expenses. The security of the gold kept by the businesses in a safe vault under the investor's name need not be a concern for investors.  What's Physical Gold?  One of the most popular and preferred investment choices in India is buying gold. Interest in this yellow metal has only grown over time. Gold is typically purchased for personal usage. It can be bought as jewelry, gold coins, or cookies. Without the need for a middleman, one can purchase it directly from a bank or jeweler. There isn't any counterparty risk as a result.   With actual gold, the minimum investment is considerable. For instance, there is a 10-gram minimum purchase requirement for gold cookies. As a result, purchasing physical gold requires a larger down payment than purchasing digital gold. Differences between Digital Gold vs Physical Gold  1. Digital Gold  Purity is 99.99% and guaranteed.  Prices are the same across the world.  Buy and sell at a fixed price.  3% GST is charged at digital gold.  Safe storage by the seller in a safe vault.  Gold investment profits are taxed according to the investor's income tax bracket rates if kept for much less than 3 years. Profits are subject to a 20% tax liability with an annual inflation advantage for investment holding periods longer than three years.  2. Physical Gold  Purity can’t be guaranteed. It may not be or maybe 99.05% pure.  Physical gold prices aren’t similar.  The usual gold coin or biscuit weight 10 grams is also available. As a result, purchasing actual gold involves a substantial expenditure.  When purchasing gold jewelry, making fees range from 20% to 30% of the entire cost of the gold.  The gold must be kept securely either at home or in a locker. The likelihood of loss and theft is significant.  Gold investment profits are taxed according to the investor's income tax bracket rates if held for less than three years. Gains are subject to a 20% withholding tax with an indexation advantage for investment time frames over three years.  Conclusion  There are benefits and drawbacks to both physical and digital gold. Rather than purchasing physical gold if you merely desire to use it for financial gain, you can purchase digital gold. In contrast hand, digital gold is uncontrolled and has a temporal limitation on how long it can be stored in that format.  Other digital assets, such as sovereign gold bonds and gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), may be better in some circumstances (mutual funds). Physical gold, in contrast, is suited for investors' personal use.  FAQ Is digital gold worth buying?  The ease and security of digital gold's preservation is by far its greatest benefit. The business that sells digital gold will keep the gold that customers buy in safe vaults. The buyer also avoids locker fees and worries about the theft or loss of gold because he does not own the gold.  What is the disadvantage of digital gold?  Within the case of digital gold, an extra fee known as spear cost is levied against the investor. A spreading cost will be added to a number of other prices, such as storage fees and insurance premiums. Typically, the spread cost falls between 3% and 6%.  Which is better digital or physical gold?  There are benefits and drawbacks to both digital and physical gold. Instead of purchasing physical gold if you merely want to use it for financial gain, you can purchase digital gold. On the other hand, digital gold is unregulated and has a temporal limit on how long it can be stored in that format.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Saving money is tough and overwhelming. With the internet filled with different methods of saving money, it can get difficult to pick which is the best choice for you!  In this article, let’s find out what are the varied methods of saving money and where you should park your money for the best returns. Methods of saving money  Here are some methods of saving money that can help you achieve your long-term and short-term financial goals 1. Invest and Save  Investing and saving are one of the most crucial methods of saving money. It is also the most underrated method. Most Indians do not invest in the stock market or take benefit of its varied opportunities. If you want to invest and save then here are some investment options to explore 2. Direct mutual funds Direct mutual funds are a good way to start investing and saving. As there is no middleman in between, there is no extra cost.  Regular mutual funds are another type of mutual fund. These charge more in terms of expense ratio but are professionally managed and maintained by an experienced fund. This is a great investment for investors who are new to investing and need a helping hand to make the most of their investments. 3. Digital Gold Digital gold, gold bonds, or gold ETFs are also a way. There are alternatives for physical gold but it is a way of investing. You can do all of this online; there is no need to go to a jewelry store. It’s the more suitable way of buying gold. Investors who want to sell or buy gold can do it without any problems with one click in an app. The minimum cost of buying or selling gold can be as low as Rs 1. 4. US Stocks US Stocks are another method of saving money! That’s right. Suppose you plan to send your child abroad to study in USA or Canada. The currency difference between USA and India will make the education cost higher for you. Imagine if you start investing that money regularly in US dollars so that by the time your child is off to the USA, you will be able to fund his/her dream without any loss!   Real estate investment involves buying, managing, and selling a property. It’s a type of investment and has different parts. 5. ETFs ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are somehow similar to mutual funds. It’s a type of pooled investment security. It can be sold and bought much like other stocks.  Daily savings and budgeting  Many people ignore saving and budgeting as a method of saving money. It can help you cut costs and recognize areas where you may be losing money.  Create a budget for the month. When there’s a fixed budget for the month, you tend to spend less. Settle everything under your budget.  Don’t just save your money, think about your future too. Set aside some money for an emergency fund. So that you are prepared for any emergency like job loss.  Start saving for your life after retirement. Make sure you have a retirement plan or fund in place way before time. This will help you amass more money over a long period of time. In fact, the sooner you think about your retirement, the more money you are likely to save up!  Save and invest your bonuses or tax refunds. Put them into your savings account and consult your financial advisor on how to make the most of it.   Manage your debts before making creating any extra costs like starting a new EMI.  Save electricity. It will also save you money. By not using unnecessary fans, lights can cost you more than you can think.  Cancel your automatic transactions, and memberships, and unsubscribe from unnecessary emails because by seeing offers you tend to make unnecessary purchases.  Decrease your mobile bills. Cut off unnecessary plans from your bill. Use free Wi-Fi instead of buying extra data plans.  Banking saving tips  Use your credit less. Pay your credit card bills timely to have less burden on your shoulder later.   Use only your ATMs or debit cards because every time you use your ATMs or debit cards, you are not charged any withdrawal charges.   Keep your monthly bills on automatic. It will free you from hassles and also pay your bills on time.  Entertaining saving If you love reading and like to have physical books then use your nearby libraries.  Watch films at home instead of going outside and spending more there. Going to a theatre means buying popcorn, seats, transportation, etc. but when you watch films at home you don’t spend extra.  Reduce your trips to coffee shops. It doesn’t cost you $2 - $3(Rs 200 - Rs 400), but it costs you more than that in long term.   Instead of eating out regularly, cook your own food at home.  Cut off your grocery expenses. Don’t shop extra from that grocery store. It helps you in saving extra money here and there. Make a budget for that too and stick to it.   Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT FAQ Are ETFs a good investment?  ETFs are actually low-risk investments because they are low-cost and hold a bag of stocks. What are the 2 methods of saving?  Cutting off extra expenses and investing money in mutual funds, digital gold, etc. Helps in saving money. How much should I save every month?  Saving 10% - 20% every month should be the goal so that in long run you will be saving more. Is investing money a good way to save more?  Investing money is a good way to save more but it’s an individual’s own choice to invest or not. But now, it’s a proven method to save money by investment.

You need to be a millionaire to invest in mutual funds! Or, mutual funds guarantee returns to all their investors. You have probably heard these myths about mutual funds every now and then.   It’s time to debunk these myths and find out what are the true facts behind mutual funds and their investments!  Myths about mutual funds 1. Mutual funds are only for long-term investment Your investment in mutual funds could be goal-based. Whether you select a short-term, long-term, or medium-term target, you are probably going to make some respectable returns. Mutual funds are regarded as suitable investment tools for exceedingly short-term investing objectives (ultra-short goals). Debt funds are how they are represented. You'll also find that many investors have a strong interest in mutual funds with the aim of building emergency cash. 2. You need an agent to understand mutual funds  The finest mutual funds to invest in are based on much the same information investors have about stocks, so this could not be more different from the truth. While it is true that investment managers work for mutual funds, as an investor you may conduct your own research on firm stocks and request that certain stocks be included in a fund of your choosing. 3. Mutual funds are similar to stock investment Numerous investment-related assets are included in mutual funds. As a result, gold, money market products, fixed deposits, debt and equity are all potential investments for the best mutual funds in India. Your contribution to a mutual fund can include any or all of these assets. What you invest in mostly relies on your tolerance for risk, financial goals, preferred tenures, etc.  4. Mutual funds that have low net asset value are the only which are good The NAV, or net asset value, is the entire value of the underlying assets that comprise the fund, whether you invest in huge or tiny mutual funds. Not the market price, but the market worth. The success of a mutual fund is revealed by the Value change between two different time periods. As a conclusion, selecting a mutual fund cannot be affected by comparing the NAVs of other mutual funds 5. Mutual funds guarantee higher returns  The investment characteristics of mutual funds determine the profits you will receive. Mutual funds are collections of assets, whose returns depend on the value of their underlying assets. These might occasionally be subject to variations. As a result, returns might not be fixed or promised. 6. Only people having demat account can go for mutual funds Apart from the Exchange Traded Funds, keeping mutual fund units in Demat form is entirely optional. The decision on whether to hold the units in a Demat mode or the existing traditional accountant account mode is fully up to the investor in all other plans, along with the close-ended listed strategies like Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) Types of mutual funds Money market funds have comparatively less risk. They are only permitted by law to invest in a limited group of high-quality, brief securities issued by American businesses and national, state, and municipal governments.  Bond funds have bigger risks than money market mutual funds as their primary objective is to generate better returns. The risk and benefits of bond funds can differ tremendously due to the wide range of bonds.  Stock funds purchase corporation shares. Stock funds vary widely from one another.  Growth stocks concentrate on equities with the possibility for above-average investment rewards but they may not consistently pay a dividend.  Revenue equities are purchased by income funds.  A specific market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, is tracked by index funds.   Target date funds mix your investments across stocks, bonds, and other assets. The composition regularly shifts over time in accordance with the fund's strategy. Lifecycle funds sometimes referred to as target date funds are created for those who have certain pension plans in view.  Conclusion:  Myths about mutual funds can be common and misleading! Get to know about mutual funds more in detail and invest. When you understand mutual funds better, you can put your money to better work.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT FAQ What's the biggest problem with mutual funds?  High expense ratio  High sale charges  Management abuse  Tax inefficiency  Poor trade execution Can we trust mutual funds?  Mutual funds are easy and trustable if you can understand them. Investors don’t need to worry about short-term fluctuation and about risks.  Are mutual funds really beneficial?  There are too many benefits of mutual funds. Mutual funds merge the funds of many different participants and handle them as one large financial pot. Therefore, expert fund managers handle the selection of stocks and bonds for investors rather than the investors themselves. 

The Public Provident Fund is a type of investment that encourages small amounts of savings. A life insurance policy is a type of insurance that provides protection from unfortunate occurrences like death. This article compares LIC and PPF and goes into detail about each financial product's features. Life Insurance Policy (LIC): What is it?  Corporation for Life Insurance, A state-owned insurance, and investment firm, is called LIC. The Life Insurance Corporation was founded in 1956. LIC was created post the Life Insurance of India Act was passed. It provides a way for people to get insurance to safeguard their loved ones against threats. A LIC policy is a contract that requires ongoing premium payments or a one-time payment to the insurance provider. Upon the LIC policy's maturity or the unfortunate passing of the policyholder, one will receive a lump sum payment. The people who need life insurance the most are those who have dependents who depend on their income. Consequently, the nominee will get the insured sum in the terrible event that a policyholder passes away. Therefore, LIC serves as a risk cover for the family of the policyholder. The policyholder will receive a lump sum payment if the insurance expires prior to the insured person's passing. The same might be used for the policyholder's retirement.  Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961 allows for the tax deduction of insurance premium payments. However, the following prerequisites must be satisfied in order to claim a deduction:  If the policy is issued after April 1, 2012, the premium cannot be greater than 10% of the amount insured.  The premium paid for life insurance plans issued prior to April 1, 2012, should not be more than 20% of the amount assured. If the premium payment does not exceed 10% of the sum assured, the maturity amount from a life insurance policy is completely excluded from tax under Section 10 (10D). The sum the policyholder gets at the conclusion of the term is completely taxable if the premium is greater than 10% of the insured amount. Additionally, a TDS of 5% is applicable to the revenue portion of the maturity value of policies not covered by Section 10 (10D). TDS is only deductible if a life insurance policy's maturity value reaches INR 1,00,000. Additional read: Lumpsum vs SIP Public Provident Fund (PPF): What is it? The Indian government launched the Public Provident Fund program. In 1968, the National Savings Institute introduced it. This long-term post office savings program is backed by the government, so the returns are assured. Every three months, the Ministry of Finance releases the PPF Interest Rate. The yearly compounded PPF rate for the latest quarter, January 2022 through March 2022, is 7.1%.  According to Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961, investments up to Rs 1.5 lakh each fiscal year are totally tax-free at the disposal of investors. Additionally, the proceeds from interest and maturities are tax-free as well. As a result, a person investing in PPF to save for retirement should not be concerned about taxes. Following is the table comparing LIC vs PPF LIC vs PPF People frequently mix up investments with insurance. Investments are for a secure future, whilst insurance is for risk protection. Having sound financial standing is vital for any investment. A person needs an emergency reserve for unforeseen costs, insurance to safeguard against terrible situations, and investments to ensure a solid financial future. Therefore, if a person has dependents who depend on their income, they must have insurance. The market offers a wide variety of insurance products, including term insurance, ULIPs, and endowment plans. A term policy and PPF investments, however, are advised for investors. In the most economical manner possible, it offers investment security and insurance safety. That being the case, the question shouldn't be LIC or PPF or LIC vs PPF. Which term policy works best with PPF should be the question instead. Conclusion There are insurance programs that also provide investing alternatives, including ULIPs. However, when it comes to expense ratio, they are on the upper end of the spectrum. They also have a number of unstated fees. Therefore, it is advised that people separate their insurance needs from their investment demands and purchase term coverage while investing in PPF. If there’s any confusion regarding this or any other financial matter, EduFund’s team of efficient financial advisors is always available to help you. TALK TO AN EXPERT

GRE and GMAT are considered two of the many pathways to study at top colleges and universities across the globe.  Students clearing the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a good score (we will discuss this later in this article) become eligible for admission to graduate study programs. On the other hand, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an undisputed road toward admission to top MBA programs all over the globe. Students often find themselves at a crossroads when choosing which exam to prepare for. Start Investing in Mutual Funds GRE vs GMAT: What are the Exam sections? Verbal Quantitative aptitude (including integrated reasoning in GMAT) Analytical writing Let us compare between GRE and GMAT in a summarized table below Basis of DistinctionGREGMATBody of governanceEducation testing servicesGraduate management admission councilExam duration3.75 hours3.5 hoursTest structure60 minutes: Analytical writing section. 2 essays with 30 mins each.2 sections of 30 minutes (20 questions) each for verbal reasoning.2 sections of 35 minutes (20 questions) each for quantitative reasoning.1 experimental section (30 - 35 minutes) each verbal or quant.30 minutes: Analytical writing section.30 minutes: 1 section for integrated reasoning (12 sections).Quantitative section: 62 minutes (31 questions).Verbal section: 65 minutes ( 36 questions) Cost of exam$205$250Validity of scores5 years5 years Composition of the sections 1. Analytical writing section The GRE Analytical section has two essays, one needs an analysis of an issue, and the other one requires an analysis of an argument. The GMAT Analytical section has one essay requiring critical analysis of an argument. 2. Verbal section The GRE verbal section has questions of three types, namely, reading comprehension, test completion, and sentence equivalence. Reading comprehension requires questions to be answered based on given passages, text completion is synonymous with fill-in-the-blanks, and the sentence equivalence parts have questions having sentences with one blank. The examinee has to choose two options (from six) that fit the sentence similarly. GMAT verbal section consists of questions on reading comprehension, critical reading of passages, and sentence correction questions. The questions test the student's understanding, reasoning, critical analysis, and grammar skills. 3. Quantitative section The GRE quantitative reasoning section comprises questions from topics like algebra, geometry, numbers, and data interpretation. Question types include numeric value entry questions, MCQs, and comparison questions. This section of the GMAT exam has questions on problem-solving and data sufficiency. In addition, integrated reasoning includes questions on data interpretation involving graphs, charts, and tables. Which exam is easier? A significant query in the test-taker's mind is the difficulty of the two exams. No exact answer to this because both these are aptitude exams – to test various capabilities of a student on a subjective basis. On average, the GMAT has a more challenging Quantitative section, whereas the verbal section in the GRE is a challenging game because of the need for a vast vocabulary and two types of essay Who should take the exam? GRE is for students of almost all backgrounds looking to study a masters-level program or a Ph.D. program from some of the best universities in the world – it is a trendy exam among STEM students and economics students. GMAT is the go-to exam for students with the big B-School dream as almost all top business schools have this exam mandatory under normal circumstances. Difference between GMAT and GRE:  GMAT:  MCQs math questions  Accepted by most graduate business programs  Test is online at a test center  $250 fees (approx. Rs 21,000 in India)  3 hours a long test.  Scores good for 5 years   4 sections in the syllabus  GRE:  MCQs math questions  Accepted by most graduate programs  Online test  $205 fees (approx. Rs 17,000 in India)  3 hours 45 minutes long test  Score well for 5 years  3 sections in the syllabus  Should you take the GMAT or the GRE?  It's customary for business schools to take GRE results as part of their admissions criteria, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of applicants to business schools opt to take the GMAT rather than the GRE. This implies that you can select the test that best demonstrates your academic strengths. Here are a few things to think about as you decide what is best for you.  Academic objectives: The GRE is accepted in a wider range of degree programs, so if you're thinking about different graduate schools or just want to keep your options open, you should consider taking it. Taking the GMAT will show your dedication if you're confident you want to attend business school, taking the GMAT will show your dedication.   School: Many colleges accept either score, but it's a good idea to double-check the admissions requirements in advance. Ask an admissions counselor if they have a choice between the two exams if at all possible.  Academic talents: The GMAT may provide a better opportunity to showcase your skills if your arithmetic abilities seem to be better than your verbal abilities. If you're a good writer, think about taking the GRE. For non-native English speakers, the GRE might occasionally be more difficult due to the vocabulary required.  Testing method: The GRE format enables you to jump around and review your responses if you choose. This could boost the confidence of some test-takers.  Performance on practice exams: Taking a practice test for each examination is one technique to figure out which one you're best suited for. Take them individually under conditions that are as real-world as possible. You'll have a better notion of that which you feel more often at ease with when you take and grade your examinations.   Score reporting: If you sit the GRE more than once, you have the option of sending different scores to different schools. Schools receive all of your GMAT results. Many programmers just take the highest score into account.  Career aspirations: Some employers, especially investment and business consulting businesses, need GMAT scores as a part of the hiring process. Do your homework on these needs in advance if you have particular target employers in mind. You might avoid having to take the GMAT throughout your job hunt if you take it before applying to business school.  FAQs Which is easier GMAT or GRE? According to experts, the GMAT's quantitative problems are typically more challenging than the GRE's. Thus, Dan Edmonds, a test-prep tutor with Ivy Wise, noted in an email, "Students with higher math skills may prefer taking the GMAT in order to exhibit those talents. Which is more valuable GRE or GMAT? Clearly said, the GMAT is a more trustworthy test for determining an MBA applicant's likelihood of academic achievement, so the admissions process will value your GMAT scores much more than your GRE scores. Do colleges prefer the GMAT or GRE? For MBA applications, almost 90% of business schools accept GRE results. You will only be at a loss if the business school explicitly declares that it favors the GMAT over the GRE if you take the GRE for MBA admission. Nevertheless, the GMAT still retains an edge over the GRE for MBA admissions. Is GMAT or GRE better for an MBA? The GRE is an exam that students may take to obtain admission to graduate programmers across practically all subjects, such as the MBA, while the GMAT is a test that is exclusively created for applicants to business schools. The GMAT has typically been given preference over the GRE.

What is financial planning? Financial planning refers to acquiring information about your financial needs and then making a comprehensive plan to reach your financial goals with as much certainty as possible.   Financial planning considers the following factors: your current financial situation, what you wish to do with the money you will acquire, and how you are willing to invest your money to achieve your goal.   Thus, to define it in a sentence, we can say that financial planning is a means to achieve your future goals through proper development and implementation in accordance with some general guidelines.  Financial planning includes applying globally accepted management principles like planning, directing, organizing, and procurement of funds to invest and generate the maximum possible returns.   It helps you prioritize your investment decisions based on the urgency of your goals. People have both short-term and long-term goals.   For example, a short-term goal like buying a car in two years requires a much different planning approach than a long-term goal like buying a house in 10 years.   Both these aims have entirely different capital, returns, and financing requirements.  We can say that financial planning will lead to asset management and not the other way around. Once a plan is laid out, the implementation requires proper management of the available assets to generate maximum returns to fulfill your goals. Source: pexels Importance of financial planning  A significant advantage of a financial plan is that it helps you build financial security for yourself and your family as well can grow your assets and prepare for financial emergencies.   It helps you fulfill your dreams. Some reasons why you should consider building a financial plan:  1. Give a perspective on your financial goals Once you have a clear goal in mind, you will be able to employ financial literacy in a well-defined direction to achieve your goals.   With a plan, you also employ popular money-management techniques like the 50/30/20 rule (See here: Tips to follow for 50/30/20 Money Management Rule) and the (15-15-15 rule of investing), according to your needs.  2. Income management Through financial planning, you can prioritize monitoring a fixed budget for your expenses and moving towards investing a chunk of your income.  3. Growth of assets The ultimate purpose of a financial plan is to increase your asset base. By investing intelligently (with proper diversification and allocation), you will earn high returns and preserve your wealth, thus extending your investments and increasing your net worth.  Start your financial planning journey now so that you don't miss your goals by the margin.  Steps to follow when creating a financial plan 1. Create an emergency fund The first and foremost step towards saving is to create an emergency fund so that you do not want to disturb your financial routine if any emergency arises. There are many formulas to create an emergency fund. One way is to create an emergency fund for six months of your expenses. So, in situations like job loss, your emergency fund can take care of your expenses until you find another job. You can park your emergency fund in liquid funds to maintain liquidity.  2. Make a monthly budget Making a monthly budget will help you save money better, as you will be able to identify and analyze your income and expenses better. In this step, identify all your income first and then expenses, where you spend most of your money. Making a monthly budget will assist you in segregating income and expenses into different categories. To create a proper budget, you can follow the 50-30-20 rule. It says that 50% of your income should go towards your needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% for saving and investing. By following this rule, you can manage your monthly budget.  3. Spend wisely Spending wisely is as critical as making a budget. After making a budget, you can evaluate where to cut down your unnecessary expenses. And where you do not need to spend your hard-earned money. For example, you may have bought a monthly subscription to some adventure park, but you may not be utilizing it. So, you can cancel your subscription and save a lot of bucks. Also, don’t make quick decisions in buying things. Evaluate its cost and usage, then make a thoughtful decision. If you spend wisely, you can make a huge difference in future savings.  4. Set goals The next step is to set your short-term and long-term goals. Categorize your short-term and long-term goals based on their priority. And start saving for them. For example, sending your child for higher education after ten years is an example of a long-term goal, but paying for the school fees in the next 11 months is an example of a short-term goal. Identifying and prioritizing your goals is very crucial. Some parents could have a short-term goal to pay for a child’s higher education. So, it is essential to prioritize your goals based on time availability to achieve them.   5. Create a savings plan After deciding on your goals, create a savings plan for each goal. Try to save a fixed amount for each specific goal. Evaluate the cost of your goals; save and invest some money to quickly achieve your target. For example, if you want to send your child for higher education in the future, and the cost of IIM Ahmedabad in 2030 may cost Rs 60 lakhs, to save Rs 60 lakhs in the next eight years, you need to save and invest Rs 34000 every month in such asset class which can generate 14% annualized returns over the period. So, creating a savings plan for each of your targets is vital, such that you know how much you need to save and for how long. Before investing your money in any of the asset classes, please do thorough research on it.  6. Review the plan After creating the savings plan, try to review the same yearly and see whether the savings and investment are on track. If they are not aligned with your goals, review your savings plan and make the changes accordingly. FAQs What is the meaning of financial planning? Financial planning refers to acquiring information about your financial needs and then making a comprehensive plan to reach your financial goals with as much certainty as possible.   What is financial planning and why? Financial planning is a means to achieve your future goals through proper development and implementation in accordance with some general guidelines.  What are financial planning and its types? Financial planning is a means to achieve your future goals through proper development and implementation in accordance with some general guidelines.  There are three types of financial planning - cash flow planning, investment, and insurance planning. What are the steps in the financial planning process? Here are the steps in the financial planning process: Give a perspective on your financial goals Income management Growth of assets What is the main benefit of financial planning? The main benefit of financial planning is the ability to meet your short-term and long-term goals while building wealth for your future retirement. A good financial plan helps you achieve your goals with ease and gives you financial stability for the future. TALK TO AN EXPERT