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Education Gap An education gap is frequently a fruitful one-year break from academics taken by a person to pursue interests that are typically unrelated to their daily life or line of work. The phrase "gap year" refers to students who take a year or fewer away from their regular academics, generally between high school and university. Some students may take a gap year before beginning the last part of their secondary school, or even shortly after finishing university, to better equip themselves for the job market. Simply put, a gap year can be taken across life phases, such as between high school and university, after university and before the formal job, or while changing careers or retiring later in life. Why should students take an education gap year? There are various reasons why your child would consider taking a gap year. Students typically see it as a chance to obtain personal or professional experience, attain specific goals, and/or pursue personal interests. If your child is thinking of taking a gap year, you should examine if it's the best option for them and what they could learn from it.  If they're considering a university course or a professional position, they'll need to demonstrate that their year was not just enjoyable but also valuable and significant. So, while arranging a gap year, consider how different hobbies can help them grow personally and intellectually. It should assist children in obtaining a better awareness of the world and building initiative, maturity, dedication, and individualism outside of formal schooling. Types of Gap Year  The intent of a gap year defines its type. Some students opt for a gap year because they want to pursue an academic course while some want to travel.   There's always a reason to opt for a gap year. Here are different types of gap years based on the reason.   1. Studying Gap Year  A studying gap year is when your child decides to take a gap year before starting college/ university. There are programs or universities that have very competitive acceptance rates. Taking a gap year and updating their resume by doing summer courses or working with an organization helps increase their chances at their dream college.   2. Traveling Gap Year  Many students decide to travel either within the same country or to others. Taking a break every now and then to relax and to meet new people helps them think better. Taking a traveling gap year might help them discover what their true passion is and then they can apply to a university accordingly.   3. Volunteering Gap Year  There are many NGOs and government organizations serving a great purpose to society. Sometimes, taking a year off of their education and volunteering for a great social cause can help increase their sense of community. And later on, if they decide to apply to study abroad, volunteering would be a plus for their application.   4. Working Gap Year  The employment world can be very different from what a student thinks it is. Taking a gap year to work either to gain experience and skills, earn money, or build a professional network is always a good idea.   Reasons for a gap in education Here are some reasons why you need to take an education gap! 1. Increase their outlook and perspective Taking a gap year may be a terrific chance for your child to engage in another nation, whether they just want to visit and experience another place or build an understanding and knowledge of global concerns. 2. Acquire necessary work experience and skills Working during their deferred year allows them to obtain significant experience, skills, and information, which may be helpful when looking for employment later. Students might also apply this information in vocation-related degree programs like nursing, law, or veterinary science. 3. Make some money Following that, a working year off before attending university might be a fantastic chance to make some additional money. They may not earn enough to cover all of their university expenditures. Still, they may be able to cover expenses such as housing, study materials, transport, or perhaps the first academic session of their college fees. 4. Make beneficial contacts During their deferred year, they will most likely encounter individuals from many walks of life. This may include people you can contact for career chances and references, or just overseas pals who can be visited if you have the opportunity to travel to their home nation later.  5. Make foreign contacts Staying and working alongside locals during a gap year allows children to get to know them better, helping them to gain a more comprehensive awareness of diverse cultures and viewpoints. They'll meet all kinds of individuals; if they click with them, they could become lasting friends. Funds for an education gap An Education Gap can be expensive. Transport costs, living costs, visas/work permits, driving licenses, health coverage, mobile and internet expenses, system costs, equipment including a thorough first aid pack, hospital, pharmaceutical, or expenditure on health, and possibly passport renewals are all included. Many companies provide beginning packages to assist children settling into their new country. This includes setting up a bank account, health coverage, lodging, transportation from the airport, and even helping them in finding work when they arrive. They frequently include specifics on everything a child will need to accomplish both before and after they come, which may be a helpful resource when budgeting overall spending. Features of the Education Gap One of the severe aspects of the education gap is its tendency to compound over time and grow more powerful and pronounced, increasing the likelihood that a student may underperform academically and socially or quit out. Furthermore, suppose kids do not gain core academic abilities such as learning, arithmetic, and computing, as well as interpersonal and social skills. In that case, it could be more challenging for them to master this core knowledge later in their schooling. Remediating learning gaps becomes increasingly challenging as children continue through their schooling, either because they have fallen far behind their peers or because high school teachers lack specialized training or the ability to teach core academic abilities. Many educators, school reformers, academics, and policymakers have argued for increased investments in preschool education, particularly accessibility to prekindergarten programs, for these and other reasons. Conclusion Without appearing overly tragic or pessimistic, and with a clear vision and focus on the positive road forward, the reason for an educational gap should be well-backed by statistics. When illustrating the significance of a specific break to life goals, it is crucial to be forthright and honest. Primary reasons to choose an education gap include: Learning life skills. Financial management. Obtaining work experience. Planning forward and giving the future some thought. FAQs Is an education gap year going to affect my child’s chances at top universities? As long as your child is utilizing the gap year the most by either pursuing some short-term course, volunteering, gaining professional experience, etc. It will not affect their chances at top universities.   What kind of work can my child do during a gap year? Your child can take up jobs like a tutor, office administrator, market research, catering, and hospitality, etc.   Are there any disadvantages to taking a gap year?  Although there are many benefits of taking a gap year, there could be some disadvantages as well. For eg. your child would be a year behind their peers and classmates. The gap year may cost you a lot of money if your child decides to take up an expensive summer course.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

Getting into one of the best film schools in the world is no joke. But once you get through, you can expect future rewards of fame and recognition in the movie industry. Choosing the best school for you is a task that you cannot afford to take lightly because you have to consider not only the school's international ranking but also its faculty, departments, courses, and the practical equipment available. Another critical factor is the tuition fee and the cost of living, particularly in the case of global education. Choose a school that will set you up for a career with great returns because film studies courses are anything but cheap. Here is a list. Best Film Schools in the World 1. USC School of Cinematic Arts, USA Located in Los Angeles, USC or the University of South California School of Cinematic Arts is unanimously considered the best in the country, funded by the likes of George Lucas. With its million-dollar funds, it can afford to provide students and research scholars with luxury amenities like an IMAX theatre and labs. USC School of Cinematic Arts is also one of the oldest. It was founded in 1929 along with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  The School has many divisions including Cinema & Media Studies, Film & Television Production, John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television, John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts, Interactive Media & Games, Media Arts and Practice, and Peter Stark Producing Program. It offers a range of courses in film studies including BA, BFA, and MFA. Various renowned film directors, cinematographers, animators, producers, researchers, and so on, form the alumni of this film school.  2. National Film and Television School, UK National Film and Television School, popularly known as NFTS, has been ranked as UK’s best for many years. Despite being located on the outskirts of Northwestern London, NFTS is quite famous amongst film scholars. It was established in 1971 and stands out amongst the film schools in the UK because of its amazing curriculum.  The well-known American e-mag The Hollywood Reporter has listed NFTS among the best international film schools in the world in 2021. Among the alumni of NFTS is David Yates, the director of the Harry Potter movies. Other than offering a good number of specialized PG courses, it also offers diploma and certificate courses.   3. American Film Institute, USA American Film Institute is undoubtedly the best one in all of LA and definitely one of the top 5 film schools in the world. If you are aspiring to attend the coolest film school in the world, AFI is the answer to your prayers. It offers you the opportunity to produce your own short projects during your course. If these works are extraordinarily good, you also get the opportunity to meet legends like Steve McQueen for personal training in the art of filmmaking.   AFI was established as a film organization in 1965 to train budding American filmmakers in motion picture arts and runs on private funding. David Lynch, who is known for his critically acclaimed works, also has a special inclination toward this film school. 4. Beijing Film Academy, China  Beijing Film Academy or BFA is the most sought-after film school in all of Asia. BFA started a small institution called the Performance Art Institution of the Film Bureau of the Ministry of Culture in 1950. But by 1956, the name was changed to Beijing Film Academy. Currently, it is one of the largest film schools in the world. Film Industries are witnessing exponential growth in Asia and this makes BFA a great choice. Also, personalities like James Cameron have been part of it as visiting fellows. The curriculum is vast with Bachelor’s, Master and associate courses in various areas like film theory, directing, producing, acting, animation art, cinematography, sound art, and scriptwriting among others.  5. La Fémis, France La Fémis connects one to the rich history of filmmaking which began with the Lumiere brothers in 1894. This French institution is based in Paris on the very site of the Pathé studios which is where filmmaking itself originated.  La Fémis has produced famous filmmakers in the past who have made history at the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival as well and Venice Film Festival. It even precedes the Tisch School of the Arts of New York City and China’s BFA in being one of the most rewarded schools worldwide. The main curriculum is a self-designed 4-year course based on a fine balance of theory and praxis.  Best Film Schools in India Film and Television Institute of India, Pune   Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata   National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad   Whistling Woods International, Mumbai   Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment, Mumbai   Asian Academy of Film and Television   LV Prasad Film and TV Academy, Chennai   Centre for Research in Art of Film and Television (CRAFT), Delhi   The ICE Institute   KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts   Kalapurnam Institute of Visual Effects and Animation    Best Film Schools in Europe London Film School   National Film and Television School   Academy of Performing Arts’ Film and TV School   La Femis   Lodz Film School   London Metropolitan University Sir’s John CASS Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design   University of Television and Film Munich   National Film School, Italy   National Film School of Denmark   Norwegian Film School   Screen Academy Scotland   University of the Arts London’s College of Communication   Russian State University of Cinematography   FAQs Which is the best film school in the world?   The Los Angeles Film School, California   Toronto Film School   Vancouver Film School   London Film School   Academy of Performing Arts Film and TV School   La Femis   Lodz Film School   Beijing Film Academy   Which is the hardest film school to get into?   One of the hardest film schools to get into is the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Only 3% of applicants are admitted to the School of Cinematic Arts.   Which college has the best film school?   American Film Institute   California Institute of the Arts   Chapman University   Columbia University    Emerson College   Loyola Marymount University   New York University   University of California, Los Angeles   Which country has the best film schools in the world?   The United Kingdom tops the list as it has some of the best film schools in the world. Reputed universities and award-winning alumni from the best universities in the UK make it a most sought-after destination for film studies.   Conclusion Preparing to get admission to one of the best film schools in the world can feel like a full-time job in itself. Knowing the basics about these schools is a good start to that journey. Once you are aware of what you are signing up for, you can attain more determination and tenacity for realizing your dreams. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

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

The Indian markets recovered and boomed in November 2021, followed by a sharp decline of 9-10% from January 2022 until June 2022. The fall continued, with the single most significant fall of 2.5% in September 2022. Investors have been cautious about what the D-street will offer them during Samvat 2079 Muhurat. Let us see how the market has performed for every Samvat Samvat se Samvat Tak - Nifty performance Note: According to the Hindu Calendar, the Vikram Samvat calendar is 56.7 years ahead of the solar Gregorian calendar. Hence, when the Gregorian is in 2022, it is the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2079, which will be post-Diwali next week Source: Economic Times, EduFund Research For global equities, Samvat 2078 turned out to be a challenging year, given headwinds including rate hikes, the energy crisis, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, continued supply disruptions, outflows from foreign investors, and heightened inflation.  What does the index indicate this Diwali?  India’s equity market is likely to outperform its global peers in the upcoming Hindu year of Samvat 2079. This will be on the back of improving corporate earnings. Cumulative profits of the top 500 companies as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) hit an 11-year high of 4.3 percent in 2021-22 (FY22). This has been a positive sign of revival after the massive destruction caused by COVID-19.  Corporate earnings to GDP ratio – an all-time high for India with a sharp rebound post-COVID.Note: According to the Hindu Calendar, the Vikram Samvat calendar is 56.7 years ahead of the solar Gregorian calendar. Thus, when we are in 2022, it is the beginning of Samvat 2079 which is after Diwali next week. Source: Economic Times, EduFund Research   Going by the GST and advance tax collections, for the second quarter of FY 2023, the aggregate revenue for the Nifty 50 companies is likely to witness a healthy double-digit growth of up to 20% year-on-year. This will be a massive improvement for the seventh quarter in a row and will be led by strong credit offtake. A revival in private capital expenditure due to stocking up of goods before the festive season.   Amid inflation concerns and higher input costs in India, some of the factors which have worked well for the Indian economy are healthy GST collections, the highest GDP growth in the Asian region, an above-normal monsoon, and strong earnings. These factors are likely to keep the economy in better shape when compared to other emerging economies, particularly at a time when there is a lot of uncertainty around the global market.   On the FII and DII movement, the market has seen a heavy withdrawal in 2022 particularly in Q1 and Q2 of CY 2022 due to non-competitive interest rates, geo-political issues, inability to beat inflation, and better return opportunities in other markets. However, the FIIs generally love pouring money during Muhurat trading due to its favorable market conditions and there have been signs of declining FII withdrawal from the Indian market in Q3. This is likely to provide the much-needed impetus to the Indian market.  How has the FII/DII participated in the market?  Note: Net Purchase / Sales of FII/DII in Cash Source: Moneycontrol How are the valuations?  With the recent correction in the market, and the improving earnings of India Inc. the valuation as defined by the P/E ratio has fallen in line with the long-term average for CY22. This makes the market more attractive from a long-term investor point of view. Note: Simple Average is taken for the yearly P/E ratio Source: Nifty PE Ratio, EduFund Research  Particularly for 2022 after April, the valuations have been becoming attractive owing to improving earnings and also correction in the market.  Note: Data for Nov and Dec 2022 is not available Source: Nifty PE Ratio, EduFund Research   What should you do?  The Indian markets have faced a significant hit and have performed the worst in September 2022 due to rising inflation and interest rate hikes. However, we believe any correction in the market is inevitable and should be used as an opportunity to acquire more units of investment to make the most of the opportunity.   The Indian benchmarks are currently trading at rich levels, and we have an optimistic view with regard to the Indian economy’s growth. This is primarily due to the reforms the government and the Central Bank are taking to beat the rising inflation and improve private capex. Additionally, we are bullish that several multinational companies have been moving their units from China to India, with Apple starting its facility in India.   Having said this, one cannot ignore the harsh reality of high inflation, declining currency value, and rising geopolitical issues with tensions between the US and North Korea and Russia and Ukraine. Also, with a high probability of another rate hike by the US Fed later this year and the depreciating rupee, Indian inflation is likely to stay high next year.   Thus, it would help if you focused on single names that perform well in a volatile environment and are undervalued, as highly valued stocks are less likely to perform during periods of inflation and high-interest rates. For investors who are less adaptable to a volatile environment, mutual funds work the best, particularly in the hybrid category with a dynamic asset allocation approach.  DisclaimerThe Content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this content constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement. Please consult your advisor before investing. Mutual Funds are subject to risk, read the offer documents carefully before investing.

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

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

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

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

Which is better: SIP vs SWP vs STP? Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP), and Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) are the plans offered by the fund houses which are strategized in a way to suit the need of each of the investors. A parent aiming to regularly save for his/her child’s education could choose a SIP. A retiree who has received lumpsum earnings from his PF could invest in SWP and receive regular income. An employee who received a large bonus could invest in a debt fund, but also could reap the benefits of an equity fund by putting their money into STP. SIP: Systematic Investment Plan By investing in equity funds that are more volatile, you reap the maximum benefits from the structure of the plan - compared to debt funds which are relatively stable. Since you are investing at regular intervals irrespective of a market up/downturn, you receive the benefits of Rupee cost averaging your cost of purchase is average over the time horizon. Also, as the investment is in small amounts, you do not feel the burden of investing or your future goals forming a hindrance to your present commitments and expenses. There are no tax implications in these plans, and ELSS schemes also provide provision for tax deductibility under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act 1961. Types of SIPs 1. Flexible SIP   Flexi SIP allows the investor to change the SIP amount according to market fluctuations. The predetermined formula enables the investor to invest more when the market is low and reduces the investment when the markets perform well.   2. Step Up SIP An investor can increase the investment amount or percentage at fixed intervals. Step Up SIP is perfect for investors who fail to regularly increase their SIP amount when their income rises.    3. Perpetual SIP   When an investor begins an SIP, the SIP mandate requires them to enter the start and end date of the investment tenure. In some cases, investors fail to enter the end date. Every SIP that does not have an end date becomes a perpetual SIP, and it will go on till 2099.   4. Trigger SIP  Trigger SIP allows investors to set a trigger value for the SIP investment. It can be when NAV falls to a particular level, specific dates, or even levels of an index like Nifty or Sensex. You can decide when a certain amount should be withdrawn from your bank and utilized to purchase units of a selected plan.    Benefits of SIP 1. Financial discipline    When you opt for a SIP, you indirectly get into the habit of keeping aside an amount of money from your income for investment.   2. Fund managers    Mutual fund investments are supervised by professional fund managers who have proven experience in managing portfolios. They observe market trends and make wise decisions in order to grow your money and minimize major losses.   3. Benefit from compounding  Compounding means you don’t just get the return on what you spend out of your pocket but also what you earn from it. This basically leads to your corpus getting richer with time. 4. Rupee cost averaging     When you invest an amount through SIP, you do not need to worry about timing the market. You buy a high number of units when the NAV is low due to the markets, and on the other hand, you buy a lesser number of units when the NAV is high. The cost of purchasing funds averages out over the period of investment.   STP: Systematic Transfer Plan This plan allows you to transfer amounts from one fund to another (within the same fund house). There is typically a transfer of amount from Debt to Equity Fund and is suitable for risk-averse investors who fear market risks and fluctuations. For example, if you have received a lump sum amount on account of your retirement or as a large bonus, you could invest in a liquid fund or debt fund. At fixed intervals, as an investor, one could give instructions to shift small amounts into an equity fund. Using this strategy, one eliminates the risk of investing a large amount at the wrong time in the market, thus averaging the cost of purchase. It also obtains the advantage of constant reallocation of the portfolio with debt and equity, earning consistent returns (greater than the amount earned in a bank deposit). The plan is similar to an SIP, but the amount is invested from your previous SIP instead of deducting the amount from your bank account. These plans do have tax implications. Every transfer from one fund to another is considered as redemption from the fund and is charged capital gains tax (the investor enjoys the benefit of being initially invested in a debt fund but is charged capital gains tax for an equity fund – which is lower). Compounding effects - as returns get reinvested at periodic intervals and rupee cost averaging are also the advantages of this plan similar to an SIP. Types of STPs 1. Fixed STP  Fixed STP allows an investor to transfer a specific amount at a fixed frequency   2. Flexi STP An investor can transfer an amount from a source to a specific fund according to market performance.   3. Capital Appreciation STP   The investor can choose to transfer only the returns from the source plan to a targeted plan and not the entire invested amount.    Benefits of STP 1. Rupee cost averaging  Similar to SIP, rupee cost averaging is also applicable for STP. Investors transfer fixed amounts to different funds at different price points, and hence the investor buys more units when the markets are low and buys a lesser amount when the markets are high. Eventually, the purchase price averages out over the period of investment.    2. The returns are consistent   STPs give investors consistent returns. As the money is invested in debt and equity funds, the returns are better than fixed deposits provided by banks.   3. Diversification Portfolio rebalancing happens naturally in STP as an investor can transfer a portion of the invested amount from a debt fund to an equity fund on a regular basis. As a result, they earn more returns during their investment tenure.   SWP: Systematic Withdrawal Plan  This plan could be considered the opposite of an SIP, where instead of investing fixed small amounts at regular intervals, one withdraws fixed amounts from the fund. The investor initially invests a large/lumpsum amount into the plan. One can choose to receive fixed amounts at an instructed frequency (monthly, quarterly) known as fixed income withdrawal, or can choose to only receive the gains (ROI or returns) on the invested amount, which is known as appreciation withdrawal. One can keep redeeming the amount until the balance with the fund reaches zero which can be considered as the maturity of the plan. SWP provides the freedom of choosing the amount that an investor wants to receive calibrated according to his/her expenses, as opposed to a dividend plan of a mutual fund where the fund manager decides the dividend.  Each withdrawal attracts a capital gains tax as it is considered to be a redemption. However, this plan is considered the most tax-efficient route when compared to the dividend plan of mutual funds and fixed deposit interest accruals.  NAV30Number of units held1000Invested Amount30000Withdrawal Amount2000NAV at Withdrawal (assumed)32Units withdrawn62.50 Cost1,875.00 Gain 125.00  Consider the example (as shown in the table). An investor has 1000 units in the ABC fund and has purchased them at an NAV of 30. Hence, his cost price per unit of the fund is Rs 30. The investor has fixed instructions for withdrawing Rs 2000 every month. In the first month of withdrawal, the fund made good profits and saw an increase in the NAV to 32. The units hence withdrawn would be Rs 2000/Rs 32 (current NAV) which is 62.5 units. The cost price of these units was Rs 1875 (62.5 *30). The gain made on the transaction is Rs 2000 – Rs 1875 = Rs 125. In an SWP the investor pays tax on the gains from the withdrawal or redemption. Hence, in the above example, one would be paying a capital gains tax of Rs 125. However, if the investor had invested the same in an FD, he/she would have to pay tax on the interest income with the tax rate according to the individual’s tax slab (which is greater than capital gains tax). Types of SWPs 1. Fixed amount SWP The investor selects a particular amount and a specific date on which the amount will be withdrawn.    2. Appreciation SWP   The investor can withdraw only the returns on investment and not the principal amount.   Benefits of SWP 1. Financial discipline  An investor automatically receives a predetermined amount from their investment periodically. This can make them financially disciplined as they learn to live life with a limited amount per month. It also protects them from withdrawing large amounts from their portfolio during a poor market performance.    2. Steady Income They receive a steady income periodically, which can be a huge advantage to the investor in case of retirement or if they depend on a steady income to pay for their financial needs. 3. Achieve financial goals The second mode of income can always be helpful if you are looking to achieve a financial goal, especially when you have monthly commitments.     SIP vs SWP vs STP FactorsSIPSTPSWPTypeRegular InvestmentTransfer from one fund to anotherWithdrawal planGoalLong-term investment to gain from the appreciation of the marketCapital Appreciation of the lump sum money received (idle money)Regular income – SourceProcessInvesting fixed amounts at a regular frequency Asset reallocation by shifting a small amount between funds (Debt ? Equity)Withdrawal at periodic intervals from the fund (opposite of SIP)Tax implicationsInvestments do not attract tax capital gains are taxable (depending on the equity of debt and time period)Every transfer is taxed and is considered a redemption from the fundGains from the withdrawal are taxed. Considered Tax efficient over FDs and other recurring income optionsTypical Investor Profile/SuitabilityInvestors looking to save every month for a long-time horizonRisk-averse Investors who have idle money (large corpus – retirement money or bonus)Investors who would want a regular source of income and have a lump sum corpus in hand.  FAQs Is SWP better than SIP?   SIP helps you invest money on a regular basis, while SWP ensures you receive a portion of your invested money regularly. You can opt for SWP when you have a big corpus. Choose the best option based on your financial status and long-term goal.    Are SIP and SWP the same?   SWP is a systematic withdrawal plan that helps investors regularly withdraw a portion of their money from their funds. SWP is completely opposite to SIP, as, in the latter, the investor invests a predetermined amount of money at regular intervals.  Is STP a combination of SIP and SWP?   The systematic investment plan, Systematic withdrawal plan, and Systematic transfer plan are all systematic methods of investing and withdrawing money. Each has its own advantages and purpose. STP allows investors to transfer investment amounts from one fund to another. SWP allows investors to withdraw money regularly, and SIP allows investors to invest money in regular intervals.    TALK TO AN EXPERT

You may have already looked into financial advice for newlyweds if you're getting married or just engaged. Getting married may help you save money. The following are some financial tips on how to save money after marriage. 1. Set smart money goals To make sure you are making plans for both the now and the future, divide your financial goals into short, medium, and long-range categories. Your budget's general structure will be significantly influenced by your short, medium, and long-term financial objectives Short-term objectives include things like setting up a three to six-month emergency fund, paying off credit card debt, and preparing for a memorable vacation. These objectives normally take one or two years to accomplish. Medium-term objectives include paying off student loan debt, saving for a down payment on a home, and purchasing a new automobile outright. This might take ten years.  Saving for retirement is very important. It’s a long-term goal for which, you must invest and save a large portion of your working life’s income. The goal completion might take up to 40 year Additional read: 5 Financial Things to Consider Before Child Planning 2. Save for your children Although having children is a joyful experience, it is also costly. You should think about inflation, a greater quality of living, and growing school expenditures before deciding to have children. Quality education is the finest gift you can offer your child. However, even the most basic tuition nowadays is expensive. It becomes quite an expensive burden when you include extracurricular activities and additional coursework. By making wise investments, you can deal with education expenses and provide your child with the education they require. As your kid grows, these plans will create a nest egg for them, which they may use to help pay for their future wedding, higher schooling, or perhaps their own business. It will ensure the financial future of your child. 3. Consider having a joint account  While maintaining your individuality as a couple requires having separate accounts, it is also a good idea to have a combined account. You can both contribute money here each month to cover ordinary home expenditures like rent, bills, and food. This also makes it simpler to keep track of your individual and joint costs. 4. Create a spending plan Your spending plan turns the hypothetical financial situation that your budget depicts into reality. A spending plan fills in the blanks in your budget by outlining how you'll handle your costs and achieve your objectives.  When combining funds, it's extremely important to make sure you have a strategy in place to prevent misunderstandings and confusion. Regardless of your relationship state, those three aspects of personal money are crucial. However, you must establish some foundation before making judgments of that nature in a newly merged home. 5. Build an emergency fund Your engagement is a perfect moment to start saving for emergencies and paying off debt because you'll have to handle financial difficulties as a married couple. Make an effort to set away some cash each month to accumulate savings.  Try to keep three to six months' worth of spending in cash for emergencies. You may use the money to pay unforeseen bills and get through difficult times, like being laid off. Having the money saved up now can help you stay out of a lot of future financial trouble. Work on reducing your balances if you have debt, especially high-interest debt like credit card debt or pricey auto loans. You'll be putting yourself up for financial success if you can enter into your marriage debt-free and without any high-interest loans. 6. Always invest a portion of your income Investigate different investment opportunities that can help your money grow more, in addition to setting up an emergency fund and saving money in a bank. Choose equities, mutual funds, or VUL insurance, which combines investing and insurance. If your partner also has a job, you can invest their money. Buy fixed deposits, gold, PPFs, or even tax-saving bonds if you and your partner decide to invest in conservative financial products.  Also, if you and your partner decide to invest aggressively, you can pick an equity investment (stocks + equity mutual funds). You allocate a portion of the funds to debt and a portion to equity investments (This is called asset allocation). You may contact our professionals at EduFund, and they will assist you toward the proper course of action for investing. Download the EduFund app and create an account to start investing. With zero charges and no hassle account opening process is from the comfort of your home. Thus, there is no one method to handle your finances as a new couple, but with a little forethought, communication, and trust, you and your spouse may avoid financial arguments in your marriage. FAQs How can I save money after marriage? There are many ways to save money after marriage. Budgeting, creating short and long-term goal plans, investing a portion of your income towards mutual funds, and creating a source of passive income are some ways to save money after your marriage. It's important to create a financial plan or consult a financial advisor if you are thinking of saving for long-term goals like your child's education, buying a house, or saving for your retirement. What's the 50-30-20 budget rule? The 50-30-20 budget rule can help you save money and budget your expenses. It helps you divide your income into categories like 50% for spending, bills, and essential needs, 30% for wants and luxuries, and 20% for investments, savings, or paying off debt. How much money should a married couple save? How much money should you save as a couple depends on your financial wants and goals. Typically it's good to save and invest at least 10% of your income every month. However, you can assess your financial situation and budget after consulting a financial advisor. What are some ways to save after marriage? Here are some basic tips to save after marriage: Set smart money goals Save for your children's education Consider having a joint account Create a spending plan Build an emergency fund Always invest a portion of your income Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Considering our patriarchal society, it was always believed that finances are best left to the men of our families. There is always a persistent gender gap between men and women regarding financial authority.   However, women are not free from stereotypes. One of the most apparent stereotypes against women is finances and numbers. Let's bust the top 6 stereotypes about women and finances in this article! Women’s terrible relationship with money  Women are always believed to be big spenders when it comes to money. But it's high time to accept that women are rational spenders. In the older generations, when the "man of the family" used to be the breadwinner for the family, it was the woman (wife/mother) who used to save money on a daily and monthly basis. We have grandmothers and mothers who still save every rupee inside their sarees in their wardrobes for emergencies.  Women cannot be financial leaders  Women are known to be the best financial managers. One thing that always helps them stay morally intact is their fear of wrongdoing by anyone. Today, we can see Nirmala Seetharaman as the Finance Minister of India, who has drawn up excellent plans to promote the country's economic growth and the welfare of society. Arundhati Bhattacharya was the Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI) and the youngest and first-ever woman to lead SBI in its over 210-year history. And the list does not end here. Many financial leaders have taken their respective companies to the next level of growth.  Women are financially illiterate or bad with numbers  There is always an assumption that women cannot understand finances or numbers. Let me clear the numbers part for you first. Do you remember Shakuntala Devi? She was an Indian mental calculator and writer, popularly known as the "Human Computer".   Now, let's move on to the finances and investment part. It is often presumed that women cannot understand the basic SIP modes and invest in other instruments. What is tricky about a SIP that only the latter gender can understand? Also, do not forget that it is Gita Gopinath, a woman who leads the International Monetary Fund. So, do you still think numbers are not our cup of tea?  Women are dependent on the men in their family  Whenever a woman is being married off, it is always said that the man will have to take care of all her financial, mental, or physical needs. But it does not work that way. Both spouses are equal contributors to each other's well-being. Even if the husband is the earning member of the family, the wife takes care of the house and nurtures the children. She does not let even one single problem at home bother him. The wife morally supports and deeply motivates her husband every day so that he can stay focused at work.  However, women are more than capable of making financial decisions and managing money. They draw out a detailed budget based on the allowance that their husbands give them and their everyday expenses for the house.   Some women have set up massive empires like Vineeta Singh, Founder, and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics; Radhika Aggarwal, CBO of ShopClues and the first woman in India to enter the Unicorn Hub, Hemalatha Annamalai, CEO of Ampere Electric Pvt. Ltd developed an electric scooter even before Elon Musk entered the space of Electronic Vehicles.  Women don’t need any financial protection  Everyone needs financial protection, a man, a woman, a child. It is always considered that women don't need financial protection as their spouse/father is earning for them and can provide for all their needs.   But it is high time that we realized that women need investments in their name. They are entitled to insurance. They need to have SIPs set in their name and have good health insurance and term insurance plans.  Women’s role is only limited to domestic chores  Women have permanently been restricted to family life. It was always about getting married, taking care of the husband, having children, and then spending the rest of their lives bringing up their children. The only financial decision they were allowed to make was bargaining with the subjiwala (vegetable seller). They were only allowed to make financial decisions around everyday spending on the house with the limited allowance given to them by their husbands. However, how can society assign these roles to a particular gender? Today, aren't women doctors, lawyers, CEOs, athletes, wrestlers, etc.? Also, aren't the household chores even arduous?  Women outperform men in 11 of 12 key emotional intelligence competencies, making them better workplace leaders. Obstacles like lack of financial independence, societal constraints, and stereotypes around womanhood prevent them from achieving their true potential. But don’t let that stop you; Indra Nooyi did not have enough money and had to work her way through Yale School of Management to become the CEO of Pepsi Co! If she can, you can; start small and save whatever you can! Above all, have faith in your ability to shatter the glass ceiling. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Given the rising cost of education, giving your children the best education possible should be your top priority as parents. By investing early in different child investment plans, you can create a sizable education corpus for all your child’s needs. Here are the different types of child investment plans. 1. Equity mutual funds When your child is still small and you have at least 15 to 20 years till retirement, it is excellent to begin investing in equities mutual funds. This enables you to withstand shocks like stock market collapses and volatility. Equity investing is not for everyone since it demands technical expertise and the capacity to keep current. To choose equities mutual funds is, therefore, the better option.  These are managed by professionals who are aware of how to choose the least hazardous stocks while still making sure that your money grows over time. You may put together a portfolio of equity mutual funds just for your child's schooling. When your child is 4 or 5 years old, you may accomplish this by creating an account specifically for children and choosing Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in risky products like equities mutual funds. Then, when you and your child become older, you can take a more conservative approach. 2. Public provident fund (PPF) Parents continue to favor PPF even after the government lowered interest rates on provident fund accounts. Because you cannot take the corpus until the conclusion of the 15-year maturity period, PPF deposits promote discipline. You may build your corpus for educational purposes because the principle, interest, and total maturity amount are all tax-free. You may rest certain that your money is secure because the government backs PPFs. However, because PPFs' official interest rates have already decreased, relying only on them can result in a cash flow problem. Build your portfolio to provide larger returns to prevent this. For your child's future, choose a well-balanced investment portfolio that includes both PPFs and Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPS). 3. Direct Equity Direct equity, sometimes referred to as stock investing, is perhaps the most effective investment strategy. You get a stake in a company when you buy stock in it. You are personally responsible for funding the business's growth and advancement. You need to have the necessary time and market knowledge to make money from your investment. Publicly traded companies provide their stocks on reputable stock markets. Stocks are the finest long-term investments. You must actively manage your assets since several economic and commercial factors influence shares. You must also be aware that profits are not guaranteed, and you must be willing to assume the associated risks. 4. Fixed deposits Banks and other financial organizations provide FDs as one sort of investment. You earn a fixed rate of interest for a predetermined amount of time after making a deposit. Compared to mutual funds and equities, fixed deposits offer complete capital protection and guaranteed returns. You give in, though, since the rewards remain the same. The banks establish the interest rate on fixed deposits by the RBI's policy review decisions, and it changes depending on the status of the economy. Despite being typically locked-in investments, fixed deposits are commonly accepted as collateral for loans or overdraft facilities by investors. A fixed deposit with tax advantages and a 5-year lock-in is also available. 5. Employee provident fund The EPF is one of the investment vehicles geared toward retirement, and it enables salaried individuals to take advantage of a tax credit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. EPF contributions are often provided by the employer in addition to employee deductions that are typically made as a percentage of monthly wages. Once it reaches maturity, the EPF withdrawal corpus is entirely tax-free. The Indian government also determines the EPF rates each quarter and provides a guarantee on your EPF deposits. 6. National pension system The National Pension System is a more modern alternative for tax-saving investments (NPS). NPS plan subscribers must stay committed until retirement and can anticipate higher returns than those from PPF or EPF. This is true since the NPS offers plan choices that include stock investments. A portion of the tax-exempt NPS maturity corpus must be utilized to purchase an annuity that will give the investor a regular pension. 7. US stocks By purchasing US stocks, you may gain exposure to the most well-known brands, like Nike, Starbucks, and other well-known companies like Tech Giants Google, and Apple. These businesses are well-known and present around the world. You may diversify your portfolio by investing in such businesses. Over the previous five years, the US dollar has increased. You acquire US Dollars when you invest in US stocks. When these assets are kept for a lengthy period, the value of your investment rises about the USD exchange rate. Investment plans for children help you and your child prepare financially for growing education costs, unanticipated illnesses, and bad circumstances. Planning for your child's future must begin as soon as feasible. This spreads out the risks involved and gives your assets more time to flourish Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

One of the essential criteria in technical analysis is volume. Let's look at how to compute the average daily trading volume, look at some instances, and see how to use it. What is ADTV or Average daily trading volume?  Investors refer to the number of shares of a specific stock that change hands on average during a single trading day as Average Daily Trading Volume (ADTV).   The average daily trading volume (ADTV) can be determined for five days, ten days, etc. The average trading volume for 20 or 30 days is a regularly used ADTV metric.  The average daily trading volume of a single stock, options on a stock, or market indexes like the Nasdaq 100 are all tracked.  The average daily value indicator is an alternative to the average daily trading volume indicator. The average daily value of a stock calculates the average dollar amount traded daily.  William O'Neil's 'How to Make Money in Stocks' popularized the use of average volume as one of several data sources for investing decisions.  O'Neil emphasized the importance of paying attention to average daily trading volume for two reasons: Ensure that a stock is liquid enough to trade fast To ensure that stock traders' present supply and demand are on your side  When a stock's price declines, its daily volume should be lower than the usual daily volume, indicating that selling pressure is easing.   When a stock's price has been consolidated and isn't growing much, you would like to see increasing volume as the prices begin to rise, indicating more buyers are entering the market. When a stock's price increases, you want the increased volume to suggest that it will continue to grow.  Average daily trading volume (ADTV) formula. How to calculate the average traded price? The formula for calculating a stock's average daily trading volume is exceptionally straightforward. Multiply the total trading volume for each day over the period you wish to compute the average volume by the number of trading days.  ADTV for α days =  Total volume traded during a day / α To make things even easier, you can use volume technical indicators to attach to a stock chart and choose the number of days you would want to estimate the average daily trade volume.   The technical indicator will calculate the average volume for you and update it every trading day. Source: Pixabay Why is trading volume important to investors?  1. Indicates the amount of curiosity in a stock/ETF.  The average daily trading volume is essential to stock market participants. The foremost thing is that trading volume measures how much interest all prospective stock traders have in a specific stock.  A low average trading volume for a company suggests that few individuals are monitoring or interested in it and that few financial institutions are committed to a position.   It usually means that market analysts agree that the stock has a limited chance of appreciating significantly at a price.  2. Indicates the amount of trade liquidity available.  The average daily trading volume also indicates how liquid a stock/trading ETF is.   Liquidity is significant for investors because it influences the bid and asks spread in the price of a stock/ETF, indicating how simple or difficult it is to enter or exit a position in the stock/ETF at an investor's desired price.  Stocks and ETFs with low trading volumes have wider bid/offer spreads, making it harder to enter or exit at the right price.   Stocks/ETFs with a high average trading volume, on the other hand, have narrower bid-ask spreads, making it more straightforward for investors to enter or leave trading positions at their preferred price.  3. Indicates whether a stock's/ETF's price levels offer support or resistance Finally, significant volume shifts frequently signal stock traders' price levels that constitute support or resistance for a stock/ETF.  Average daily trading volume limitations   A typical statistic for determining if a stock fits an investor's or trader's transaction requirements is the average daily trading volume. However, ADTV is standard.   An asset's volume can diverge significantly from the average on any particular day, resulting in much greater or lesser importance.  Over time, the average might change, rising, dropping, or oscillating. As a result, keep an eye on volume and average volume to ensure that the asset is still trading within the volume constraints you want.  Significant fluctuations in volume could indicate that something has evolved within the asset, which could be either positive or negative. The volume didn't reveal to you which one it is, but it will alert you that more investigation may be needed. How to use ADTV? To calculate the average daily trading volume, you can add the trading volume for the past X days. Then, divide the total by X. Example - the sum of the last 20 days' trading volume is 23844400, and upon dividing by 20, the ADTV is 1192220. Compare the ADTV with the trend to see if there is any sizable volume increase. If the volume changes significantly, the stock attracts more interest, which could be either bullish or bearish, depending on the price movement.  What is the difference between Average Daily Trading Volume (ADTV) and Open Interest? Open interest is a term used in futures and options, and it defines how many contracts are open and haven't been closed. In derivatives, the Average daily trading volume is the average number of contracts changing hands daily. ADTV and OI are entirely different and should not be mixed or used interchangeably. OI measures transactions used to open or close positions and thus tracks the number of open contracts. FAQs What is a high ADTV? Investors refer to the number of shares of a specific stock that change hands on average during a single trading day as Average Daily Trading Volume (ADTV). A high ADTV means that more investors in interested in that particular stock while a low means fewer investors are interested in some stocks. What is ADTV value? ADTV stands for Average daily trading volume. It tells us the average number of shares traded within a day in a given stock. How is ADTV calculated? Here is the formula for calculating ADTV for α days =  Total volume traded during a day / α Multiply the total trading volume for each day over the period you wish to compute the average volume by the number of trading days.  Why is trading volume important to investors?  The average daily trading volume is essential to stock market participants. The foremost thing is that trading volume measures how much interest all prospective stock traders have in a specific stock.  What's 30-day ADTV? It is the average volume of securities traded on a daily basis over a period of 30 days. If the daily volumes are high, the liquidity would be good, enabling traders to exit positions without an effect on the price materially. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT