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While studying abroad, Indian students or their parents would have to transfer money abroad to pay university tuition fees and maintenance costs abroad. In such a scenario, it is natural to have doubts about the RBI rules for remittances abroad in India. This post talks about the relevant RBI rules and also how much money can parents send to their kids abroad Outward Remittance comes under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). The LRS specifies rules and limits regarding remittances outside India for education purposes. The maximum amount you can send abroad from India Under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme, authorized dealers can allow Remittance of up to USD 2,50,000 to resident individuals per financial year for permitted current account/capital account transactions or both. LRS Scheme does not apply to Corporations, Partnerships, Firms, Trusts, HUFs, etc. What does this mean for students? The maximum payment limit for a student (including minor students) studying/going to study abroad is $2,50,000 per financial year. This limit covers the purposes of; Education abroad Medical expenses abroad Living expenses of a student studying abroad Gift transfer The limit of USD 2,50,000 can be used in a single forex transaction or multiple forex transactions combined during a financial year. Note: If the sender is a minor, their natural guardian must sign the LRS Declaration Form (Form A2). Special circumstances where you can send more money than the maximum limit In special circumstances, you can withdraw more foreign exchange than the LRS limit of $2,50,000. 1. For the purpose of medical treatment abroad For the amount in excess of the LRS limit, authorized dealers can release foreign exchange under general permission based on the estimate of a doctor in India or a hospital/doctor abroad. 2. For the purpose of studying abroad Bank AD Category I and AD Category II may allow transfers (without prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India) over USD 2,50,000 based on estimates received from the University/Institution abroad. What does this mean for students? For overseas study and medical expenses that exceed the LRS limit, an individual may be allowed to use more foreign exchange than their US$2,50,000 limit if they provide the required documentation. Medical Expenses Abroad – Estimate from a doctor in India or a hospital/doctor abroad. Study Abroad - Estimate from university/institution for tuition fees (and/or maintenance costs). Additional read: How to fund child education in Ireland? The maximum amount of money that can be carried as cash for foreign travel Resident Indians traveling abroad from India can purchase foreign currency notes/coins only up to USD 3000 per visit. The remaining amount can be carried in the form of stored value cards, traveler's checks, or bank drafts. What does this mean for students? An Indian student going to study abroad should carry foreign money in the form of cash only up to USD 3000 (or equivalent in other currency). Cash means carrying money as notes/coins. According to today's US dollar exchange rate in India, USD 3000 is more than Rs 2,20,000. That's enough money to take care of a student's immediate expenses when moving abroad. A student's remaining forex limit ($ 2,50,000 - $ 3,000 = $ 2,47,000) can be carried on a forex card, traveler's check, or bank draft. How to transfer money abroad from India under LRS Select an RBI-authorized bank or exchange through which you want to send money abroad. Choose the one that offers the best exchange rate. The bank account from which you make the transfer should be maintained for at least one year before the transfer. In the case of a newly opened account, bank statements for the previous year, copies of the last assessed income tax order, or filed tax returns must be submitted. Send the A2 form with the reason for your payment. Submit required KYC documents A copy of the sender's passport Copy of PAN card Copy of recipient's passport (if required) Proof of relationship (if required) TALK TO AN EXPERT

Processing fees for education loans are fees charged in advance by the education loan provider to the applicant. Processing fees vary from bank to bank; it also depends on whether you are pursuing a domestic degree or opting for an international program. Most banks charge a processing fee of 1% and above on the latter What are processing fees for education loans? There are the following types of processing fees for education loans. Refundable processing fees: Some banks offer refundable processing fees. The bank tries to adjust the amount in the loan withdrawal cycle. However, you cannot apply for a refund if your application for a loan is rejected. Non- refundable processing fees: Regardless of approval or rejection, some banks charge processing fees during the education loan process. Amortized processing fees: Some financial institutions don't impose any up-front processing fees. Over the course of the loan, processing costs are added as an additional percentage on top of the annual interest rate that is offered. It follows the idea of the annual percentage rate (APR). The interest rate and processing charge amortization make up the annual performance rate (APR). There are many banks that do not charge processing fees for education loans. Additional read: Education loan process in Germany Characteristics of education loans in India Maximum Amount: The education loan amount provided can range from Rs.4 to Rs.40 lakhs. Higher amounts may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Age Group: An education loan to study abroad can be applied by any student between the ages of 18 and 35. Course Eligibility: Education loans can be used to study a variety of fields, including science, maths, and engineering. Law, management, fashion, architecture, and arts are just a few examples of availing of education loans.  Cosigner: Since the principal borrower must not be employed, the loan needs to be co-signed by a co-applicant (it could be either a parent, sibling or other close family members). The co-loan applicant's score is considered when approving the loan. The applicant may be required to satisfy a margin of 5-15 percent. Coverage: Tuition fees, cost of books, cost of food and lodging, laboratory and library fees, travel expenses, study tour expenses, and so on are covered by education loans. Moratorium: There is a moratorium on education debt until graduation. During this time, only basic interest is charged on the borrowed amount. During this time, the applicant can only pay the interest amount. Depending on the lender's policies, the duration of the education loan can be up to 10 years, excluding the moratorium period, and up to 15 years, including the moratorium period. Tax Benefits: As per Section 80E of the Internal Revenue Code, interest paid on education loan EMI is tax deductible. Top banks for Education loans in India  State Bank of India HDFC Bank ICICI Bank Axis Bank PNB Mpower financing Prodigy Finance Avanse Conclusion Processing fees charged on education loans may vary from lender to lender. Some lenders charge a fixed amount irrespective of the education loan amount and some charge a fixed percentage on the loan amount. Before applying for an education loan, know the processing fees. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Purchasing a mutual fund is fairly simple; you can even do it quickly online! It does, however, have paperwork, just like any other financial transaction. Here is a list of documents required for mutual fund investments in India. Documents you need  The list of documents needed to invest in a mutual fund is as follows: 1. Application form For a mutual fund, you might need to submit more than one application. A mutual fund account must first be opened, a SIP plan within the fund must be chosen, and an  Electronic Clearing System (ECS) form must be completed if you want to make an electronic transfer from your bank account. Other forms, such as a Risk Profile form, may be requested by some asset management firms. 2. KYC compliance To invest in mutual funds, your PAN must be validated by the Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations of the Government of India. Through the CDSL Ventures Limited website, you may assess your KYC compliance or sign up for it (CVL). The KYC acknowledgment letter or a copy of the KYC-compliance page must be sent if you are currently KYC-compliant. If not, keep the necessary paperwork on hand: KYC individual form Passport-sized photograph 3. Proof of identity As identification documentation, any of the following is acceptable: PAN with photograph Aadhaar Passport Voter's ID card Driving license 4. Proof of address  You can provide any of the following documentation as evidence of address: Aadhaar Driving license Passport Voter's ID card Ration card Registered lease/sale agreement of residence Flat maintenance bill Insurance copy Utility bills that are less than three months old, such as a landline phone bill, an electricity bill, or a gas bill It is also appropriate to provide proof of address in the spouse's name. 5. Third-party declaration for minors  Parents may invest on their child's behalf if they are a minor. For this, a third-party declaration form must be completed. For non-individuals, such as businesses, trusts, partnership firms, Hindu United Families (HUF), etc. The following documents must also be prepared in addition to or in place of those mentioned above. Once you have the necessary paperwork on hand, you can open a mutual fund account and select a fund that matches your risk tolerance and financial objectives. 6. Canceled blank cheque Contrary to the past, there is no longer a need to provide a blank canceled check. Still, it's preferable to present a canceled check if you want to simplify your SIPs. This will provide your fund house access to your account number, MICR code, and IFSC code, as well as allow you to swiftly issue an Electronic Clearing System (ECS) to your bank. If you are investing in mutual funds online, you do not need to provide a voided check. Investing in mutual funds on EduFund App Compared to offline investment, online investing will be much faster and easier. By downloading the App, you may select a mutual fund that fits your aims. You can invest in over 4000 mutual funds and personally designed EduCases to create the corpus you need for your child’s future. When the OTP is ready, enter the necessary data and wait for it to appear on your registered cellphone number. You may then input the amount and select whether you want to invest via SIP or lump sum after that. Using your UPI ID or internet banking are your two choices for completing the transaction. This is common practice for the majority of fund companies. If you wish to invest in a couple of each fund house's programs, you must register on their websites. You can invest in a variety of mutual fund plans from several asset management firms all in one place on the  EduFund App. You can make small investments like Rs. 100, 500, or 2000 in lumpsum or SIP orders. Additionally, you may consult financial professionals through the app, who can direct you toward the best investment opportunities based on your risk tolerance and investing philosophy. Factors to consider before investing in mutual funds As you start making mutual fund investments, you must strictly monitor the following: When investing in mutual funds, you must rigorously take your risk tolerance into account. For instance, it is suggested that you start with investing in debt mutual funds since they carry less risk if you cannot afford to incur much risk with your assets. On the other hand, equities mutual funds should be your pick if you have larger risk tolerance. When investing in mutual funds, it's crucial to take your acceptable investment horizon into account. Consider investing in long-term equity funds, which produce larger returns over the long run.  If your objective is to save for your retirement level of risk appetite will directly affect the results of your mutual fund investments. It has been shown that a larger risk appetite will often result in higher returns. Since its inception, the mutual fund industry has made a concerted effort to draw in more investors. It used to be a tedious procedure to finish the paperwork for mutual fund investments, and you had to visit an AMC or RTA office to do your KYC. But all of these annoyances have been eliminated owing to the development of technology. TALK TO AN EXPERT

While many people dream of studying abroad, we are aware of the costs and difficulties involved. The cost of higher education can be significant in countries like Australia. Australian scholarships will assist in covering all or part of the tuition costs. Some scholarships additionally assist applicants with living costs and immigration fees, depending on their background and level of academic achievement. 1. Australia awards scholarship One of the top scholarships for international students is the Australia Awards Scholarship, which is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian government. This Australian scholarship provides students from developing nations in the Indo-Pacific area more power. Its main objective is to strengthen bilateral ties between Australia and its partner nations. If your child is selected for this scholarship, they will benefit from the following:  The complete cost of the chosen course's tuition is covered by this award.  It pays for travel expenses like airline tickets.  Students receive a one-time grant to help with the cost of housing and materials.  For the expense of living in Australia, they receive a bimonthly stipend or Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE).  During their time studying in Australia, they can also benefit from an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). To qualify for this scholarship, all students have to do is be accepted into any graduate program offered in Australia. 2. Destination Australia scholarships The Australian Government's "Planning for Australia's Future Population" effort includes the Destination Australia program. This scholarship program's ability to admit students who are studying at Australian universities remotely is one of its special features.  Look at the advantages this Australian scholarship offers:  If your child is accepted into this esteemed program, they will have the chance to take part in leading research and skill-development initiatives that incorporate studies in a range of academic fields.  Each academic year, this award covers the equivalent of $15,000 in tuition costs for recipients.  If they have graduated from high school and are currently considering enrolling in a graduate program, they may be qualified for this grant. 3. Australian government research training program (RTP) The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) is amongst the top Australian scholarships to help you fund your child’s dreams. It intends to provide funding for both domestic and foreign students who want to pursue a Research Masters's or Research Doctorate in Australia.  It offers recipients several special advantages, including:  The complete award for tuition is due to students who enroll in this scholarship.  Additionally, it provides an RTP stipend that can be used to pay for housing, transportation, and other living expenses.  The RTP also includes a supplemental allowance to assist with other expenses including printing a research thesis, paying for scholarly publication, and paying for student health insurance.  If they have successfully finished their postgraduate level of higher education, they may be eligible for this award. They must, however, acknowledge the RTP program in their published research as a requirement of this scholarship. 4. John Allwright fellowship (JAF) If your child is enrolled in a postgraduate degree in any scientific field, this scholarship program is ideal for them. It primarily aims to improve the research capacities of its partner nations and gives researchers from other nations the opportunity to do research in Australia.  Here are the advantages that your child can receive if they are eligible for this scholarship:  It makes it simpler for researchers to apply for and obtain a postgraduate research degree.  Scholarships at the Master's and Ph.D. levels are available each year through this program to deserving candidates.  This fellowship, which is similarly managed by the Australian Awards, aids in covering a sizable portion of the expenditures associated with studying and living in Australia.  Your child can only be eligible for this award after completing their graduate program because it is for postgraduate study. Alternatively, they will also be given equal weight if they are a promising scientist from one of the developing nations when choosing who receives the scholarship. Additional read: 10 important reasons to study in Australia How can one win an Australian full scholarship?  For deserving overseas students, Australia offers a variety of programs, but there is also fierce competition. As a result, getting a full scholarship in Australia can be very challenging. However, there is no need for concern. The following are some things you should be aware of:  Your child should submit as many scholarship applications as they can as a student and attempt to differentiate themselves online.  Many websites might not provide accurate information or perhaps lead you astray. Find scholarship opportunities that best suit you by filtering. Some programs could require you to take tests or appear for interviews. Scholarships by Australian universities Some scholarships provided by Australian universities are as follows- Macquarie University International Scholarships University of Sydney International Research Scholarships Melbourne Research Scholarships Australian National University Scholarships Rotary Peace Fellowships University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International students Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarships Monash University International Scholarships for Excellence Australian scholarships can help you fund your child’s college in the country. However, the competition can be fierce as Australia is considered one of the largest hotspots for international students. This is why having an education corpus to rely on or dig into, reduces the stress of higher education and its costs! Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

What makes a good investment option? Many components could affect your investment decision, like liquidity, size of the investment, goal of investment, the horizon of investment, etc. Top 10 investment ideas for child education 1. Direct stock investment Passive investing may not be everyone's fit, as it is a risky type of asset with no certainty of profit. In addition, it is not only tricky to select the appropriate stock but also difficult to time your entry and exit. The only bright spot is that stocks have been able to outperform all other asset classes in terms of asset price returns for a long time. 2. Equity mutual funds Equity investors primarily invest in stocks. An equity mutual fund scheme should invest a minimum of 65% of its assets in equities and equity derivatives as per the Securities and Exchange Act of India (Sebi) Mutual Fund Rules. An investment company can be controlled directly or indirectly. 3. Debt mutual funds Debt mutual funds are suitable for low-risk or risk-averse investors. Bond/Debt funds generally invest in fixed-income asset classes such as government bonds, corporate debt, treasury bills (T-bills), as well as other alternative investments. The returns are easy to predict, and the investment does not face much volatility. 4. National pension scheme (NPS) The Pension Capital Market Development Authority administers the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and Long Term Investment Program for Pensioners (PFRDA). The annual payment required to keep the NPS Tier-1 fund active has been reduced from Rs 6,000 to Rs 1,000. It consists of a combination of stocks, certificates of deposit, debt securities, liquid money, and public money, among others. You can decide on how much risk you want to factor into your risk tolerance overall. 5. Public Provident Fund (PPF) Since PPFs have a maturity of 15 years, the effect of compounding tax-free interest is significant, especially in later years. In addition, since a state guarantee secures the returns and investing money, it is a safe investment. It is worth recalling that the government reviews the interest rate on the PPF every quarter. Additional read: Mutual funds for child education 6. Fixed Deposits with the bank (FDs) In India, a fixed deposit (FD) account is considered a better investment option than an equity or mutual fund. Effective February 4, 2020, every depositor in the bank is covered up to a total of 5 lakh rupees for both principal and interest as per the guidelines of the Bank Protection and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). 7. Senior citizens savings plan (SCSS) Senior Citizens' Saving Scheme (SCSS) is a government-backed pension scheme. Senior citizens resident in India can invest a lump sum in the scheme, individually or jointly, and access regular income along with tax benefits. Any person over 60 can apply for SCSS through a postal or commercial bank. SCSS has 5 periods which can be extended for another 3 years if the program develops. The total capital limit is Rs 15 lakh, and many accounts can be opened. SCSS money is taxed and billed on a fixed schedule. It should be mentioned that the property interest rate is subject to frequent reviews and adjustments. Additional read: Best sip plans for child education 8. Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yo PMVVY is a program for older adults age 65 and over that guarantees a 7.4% annual return. The scheme provides pension contributions which can usually be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the option chosen. The lowest pension payment is Rs 1000 per month, and the highest retirement payment is Rs 9250 every month. The plan allows a total investment of 15 lakhs. The program is valid for 10 years. The validity of program is valid until March 31, 2023. The invested amount will be returned to the elderly person when he becomes elderly. The amount will be issued to the applicant in the event of the death of the senior citizen. 9. Real Estate The place you live in is for personal use and would never be considered a business. If you don't really plan to live there, the family property you are buying can serve as an investment. The location is one of the most critical aspects in determining the value of a home, along with the rental income it can generate. Real estate investments provide profits in 2 directions: holding value and rental income. Besides, real estate investments are costly compared to other investment vehicles. Another significant risk is obtaining adequate regulatory approvals, which has largely been resolved since the arrival of the Real Estate Investment Authority. 10. Gold investment Owning gold in ornaments creates its own problems, including increased efficiency and lower costs. Then there are "production fees", which typically range from 6% to 14% of the gold price. People who want to get digital gold still have a better choice as these charges are not applicable to digital gold. Conclusion There are numerous investment options are available in the financial world. But which one suits your profile is the question. The equity mutual fund scheme as an asset class has outperformed all the other classes and if you want to invest in digital gold or mutual funds, but do not have any idea, how to choose the fund. Then, you can schedule a call with the EduFund advisory team. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

The United States is one of the most popular places for students to study abroad. The majority of the world's best colleges are located in the USA. In addition to having excellent educational infrastructure, the United States is renowned for offering a wide range of scholarships to students around the world. In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about scholarships for Indian students to study in the United States. Top scholarships for Indian students in the USA The USA provides top-notch education, but applicants must pay the required course costs in exchange. Due to the expensive tuition fees charged by colleges in the USA, many candidates decide not to study in the USA. So for that, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all the popular scholarships that enable Indian students to study in the United States to aid students in similar situations. Scholarships for MS in the USA Following is the list of scholarships for Indian students who are planning to study MS in the USA. Scholarships for MBA in the USA Following is the list of scholarships for Indian students who are planning to study MBA in the USA. Scholarships for Ph.D. in the USA Following is the list of scholarships for Indian students who are planning to study Ph.D. in the USA. Cost of studying in the USA Every student's study abroad plan must include the cost of learning at the university. An applicant must pay their living expenses in addition to the tuition. The cost of living in the USA can make studying in the country too expensive. The entire cost varies depending on the university location one chooses. Compared to metropolitan campuses, your overall cost of living will instantly decrease if your selected study location is suburban or rural. The following table displays the typical price of education in the USA. How to apply for a scholarship in the USA? If you want to apply for a scholarship in the USA, you have many options. You need to have an application or registration form to get a scholarship in the USA, along with the following documents: Letter of recommendation. Personal essay or letter of motivation Official financial documents, as well as evidence of low-income Letter of acceptance from a recognized university. Proof of all extracurricular activities, positions of leadership, academic accomplishments, etc. If you are planning to study abroad and are unsure about how to fund your study abroad you can speak with education counselors. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Children's fund programs are a form of mutual fund with specific goals related to children. They can also be termed plans to solve the rising cost of children's education and other necessary expenses. The best mutual fund for a child's education usually invests in equity and debt-related securities.  However, investors can also choose between higher debt and higher equity investments according to their individual preferences and risk appetite. Children's funds come with a minimum 5-year lock-in period and can be extended until the child becomes an adult. These are long-term investment options, and holding investments even during market fluctuations ensures higher returns than liquidating funds during a market downturn. What is a children's gift mutual fund? Child gift funds are mutual fund plans that provide financial benefits to your children for things like wedding expenses, future school fees, etc. This leads to long-term capital growth and is classified as Hybrid Fund or Balanced Mutual Fund. Gift funds invest in equity and debt asset classes. Fixed income securities are the type of debt instrument, while stocks are the type of equity. Purpose of the children's fund The primary purpose of the children’s fund is to provide financial support for the child’s future if they want to pursue higher studies abroad or in India. A mutual fund ensures that parents do not compromise on their child’s growth due to a lack of funds. A child plan fund is a better option compared to an education loan. With them, you can get the maximum and guaranteed return on the money you invest. Parents can opt for a minimum of five years or more extended lock-in period for the funds until their child turns 18. And if an investor is considering liquidating a child plan mutual fund before the minimum lock-in period of five years, then the fund can charge a penalty of up to 4%. Who should invest in a children’s fund? A child plan fund is ideal for those looking for a long-term investment primarily to save for child-related expenses. Even those who do not want to get involved in schemes with huge risks and want good returns can invest in children's mutual funds. Most mutual funds with a child plan are customizable, which offers additional relief to investors. When a child crosses the age of 18, authorization can be given through the KYC process from the financial institution. Additional read: Dollar to rupee investing Best mutual funds for child education 1. SBI Magnum Children’s Benefit Fund  The fund is an Aggressive Hybrid Mutual Fund Plan. It is a mid-sized fund in its category, with assets under management (AUM) of Rs 151 crore as on June 30, 2021. The fund has an expense ratio is 0.82%, which is comparable to the expense ratio charged by most other Aggressive Hybrid funds. 2. UTI CCF Investment Plan The fund has a market cap of Rs 504.40 crore. The UTI CCF investment plan is benchmarked against the flagship CRISIL Balanced Fund - Aggressive Index as well as NIFTY 50 - TRI and NIFTY 500. 3. HDFC Children's Gift Fund This is a mid-cap fund in its category with assets under management (AUM) of ₹ 4,667 crores. The fund's expense ratio is 1.04%. The fund now has a 67.10% equity allocation and a 19.07% debt allocation. 4. Axis Children Gift Fund - No Lock-in This is a children's fund focused on Axis mutual fund solutions. It has a market cap of Rs 607.91 crore. Nifty 50 (TRI) index is used as the primary index, and NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35. 5. LIC MF Children Fund  The fund has an expense ratio of 1.89%, which is higher than the category average of balanced hybrid funds. The fund currently holds an equity allocation of 88.16% and a debt exposure of 10.87%. The returns of LIC MF Direct-Growth Fund Children's Gift Fund for the last year were 33.91%. Why should you consider child education mutual funds?  Choose an investment option that can beat inflation over a long-term period. Always consider investing your money as per your risk appetite to build a fund for your child's college education. If you want to save money for your child's higher education and you have a longer horizon to save, then equity mutual funds are a good choice. Investing in mutual funds over time provides much better returns than any other type of savings. Returns are better if the time horizon is longer. Conclusion Irrespective of the fund you choose, there is no alternative to starting early. In addition to several advantages, the long-term horizon enables maximum returns from equity mutual funds while mitigating the risks of market volatility. Additionally, consider increasing the SIP amount yearly for a healthy corpus to fund your child's education. Note: All funds mentioned in the article are Direct mutual funds Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Education costs are on the rise all over the world, and it has become vital for parents to invest and save money if they want to provide for their child’s higher education. If the child is still young and there are several years before higher education, then it is prudent to develop a long-term financial plan with some of the best US ETFs in the portfolio, as they will yield higher returns. Remember, the earlier you start, the better your odds of accumulating the desired amount. US ETFs or exchange-traded funds are an effective investment option for Indian investors as they have proved big winners. Strong economic growth and federal stimulus have helped the US ETFs to outperform and add to the bullish momentum. Best US ETFs for child's higher education plan 1. iShares Global Tech ETF Launched on 11th December 2001, the iShares Global Tech ETF tracks the results of the index that includes global equities in the computer hardware, software, and technology sectors. It has 132 holdings, among which the top names are Apple Inc, Microsoft Corporation, Nvidia Corp, Visa Inc Class A, and Taiwan Semiconductor. With net assets of $3,170,684,936 and an expense ratio of 0.43%, it is considered one of the best US ETFs for a child’s higher education. 2. Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF Launched on 9th October 2015, Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF tracks the investment results of the S&P 500 Enhanced Value Index. The large cap equity asset boasts an AUM of $144.8M, a 1-year high of $47.51, and an expense ratio of 0.13%. The fund has 102 holdings in the portfolio that includes companies like Berkshire Hathaway Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and CVS Health Corp. 3. iShares Core S&P U.S. Value ETF Launched on 24th July 2000, the iShares Core S&P U.S. Value ETF tracks the investment results of the index that includes mid and large-cap U.S. equities. It has 743 holdings, among which the top names are Berkshire Hathaway Inc, Johnson & Johnson, Exxon Mobil Corp, and Chevron Corp. With an expense ratio of 0.04%, it is considered one of the best US ETFs in the world. 4. Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF Launched on 26th January 2004, the Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) tracks the investment results of the index that includes large-cap U.S. equities. The ETF is focused on the U.S. consumer staples sector and includes top holdings like Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola Company, and PepsiCo Inc. 5. SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF Launched on 8th November 2005, the SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF (MDYV) tracks the investment results of the Small-Cap core index. Top holdings include EQT Corp, First Horizon Corp, and Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. The fund shows a net expense ratio of 0.15% and a yield of 1.93%. Additional read: ELSS funds for child's higher education Best US ETFs as of September 2022 Conclusion It is important to make the right choices while investing in your child’s higher education. Best US ETFs are well-diversified, low-fee, and tax-effective funds that are considered the smartest choice by high-profile investors.  The financial experts associated with the Edufund App help parents to invest in top-performing US ETFs from India so that they can have the necessary funds to fulfill their child’s dream education abroad. The hassle-free, transparent and simple app gives the option of choosing from 1400+ US ETFs and earning returns in dollars.  Creating wealth is no longer an impossible dream but a possibility through Edufund, and that too in a simple manner just from your phone. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Parents responsible for arranging the necessary funds to provide higher education to their children are constantly on the lookout for new investment opportunities. It is important to add some of the best US stocks to your portfolio as they are profitable and have the proficiency for higher returns.  The top US stocks can prove to be big-time winners. The companies have shown themselves as capable and adaptable entities even during disruptions like Covid-19 and adverse market and economic conditions. They boast solid track records, strong fundamentals, high potential, and great profit returns. Best US stocks for Investing in 2022 1. Amazon With annual revenues and net income of $121.234 billion and $11.607 billion respectively for the year ending 30th June 2022, Amazon (AMZN) is one of the best US stocks in the world.  The multinational company formed by Jeff Bezos has its fingers in several industries like cloud computing, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and digital streaming.  2. Microsoft Corporation Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft (MSFT) is associated with the information technology industry. The public company traded on Nasdaq has several subsidiaries to its name like GitHub, LinkedIn, and Skype.  The $2.38 trillion market cap company boasts annual revenues and net income of $198.270 billion and $72.738 billion respectively for the year ending 30th June 2022. The 3-month and 1-year forecast for its stocks is at 10.300% and 27.412% respectively.  3. Alphabet Inc.  The holding company Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) is a technology conglomerate with revenues and net income of $278.139 billion and $72.016 billion respectively for the year ending 30th June 2022. Product lines include YouTube, Google Ventures, Google Search, Android Etc.  With a market capitalization in trillions, it is one of the best US stocks to buy because of sure and safe returns.  4. Apple Inc  Apple (AAPL) is a multinational tech company with innovative products (Apple Watch, Mac, iPhone) and services (Apple Music, iCloud, App Store) in its portfolio. As of June 2022, it is the biggest company in the world in terms of market capitalization which crossed $3 trillion.  Apple registered its revenues and net income of $387.542 billion and $99.633 billion respectively for the year ending 30th June 2022. The 3-month and 1-year forecast for its stocks are at 12.907% and 32.407% respectively. 5. Nvidia Corp Nvidia (NVDA), a software and fabless company is a global leader in software, hardware, and artificial intelligence. It recorded revenues of $26.91 billion for the fiscal year 2021-22. The 3-month and 1-year forecast for its stocks are at 39.858% and 65.733% respectively.  The public company is listed in the NASDAQ 100 and pays dividends four times every year. As cloud computing is in high demand across various industries the growth potential for higher returns is extremely positive.  6. Tesla Inc.  Tesla Inc. (TSLA), a public company traded on NASDAQ is associated with the designing and manufacturing of sustainable energy ecosystems and all-electric vehicles. The company crossed the market cap of $1 trillion in October 2021 and shows a remarkable trend of higher upward movement.  Tesla registered its revenues and net income of $67.166 billion and $9.516 billion respectively for the year ending 30th June 2022. The 3-month and 1-year forecast for its stocks are at 20.403% and 47.215% respectively. 7. Mastercard Mastercard (MA), listed in the S&P 500 Index and traded as Class A on the New York Stock Exchange, is associated with financial services. The multinational corporation registered its revenues and net income of $20.865 billion and $9.699 billion respectively for the year ending 30th June 2022. Mastercard offers its services to 210 countries all over the world (except Russia) through its debit, credit, and prepaid cards.  The company is known to process an estimated 3.6 trillion transactions every year. Mastercard is a favorite of investors as it has a dividend yield of 0.47% and distributes them consistently to loyal stockholders every quarter of every year.  If you are wondering where to buy the best US stocks then always choose a secured platform or credible investment counselors.  The wealth experts on the Edufund App offer solid recommendations to parents about the best US stocks to buy and fund their child’s higher education. They provide the opportunity for fractional investing as well as to own a piece of a global US company through transparent and secure means.  Investing across borders to create wealth for your child’s higher education is easy with no hidden charges, no commission, or brokerage fees to disrupt your equilibrium hence sign up and start earning returns in dollars! Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

International investing has become an essential part of the portfolio. Adding international funds/stock provides diversification to the portfolio and helps capture the returns from the growing stock market worldwide. Benefits of International Investing 1. Diversification One of the apparent reasons for investing globally is the diversification of the portfolio. When you invest globally, the investment correlation reduces in the portfolio. In simple words, the dependency on the returns on one market reduces.  Many US-listed companies have operations and revenues at a global level, and these companies are market leaders worldwide. Investing in these companies could provide good exposure to the portfolio. 2. Currency hedge Investing overseas will help your portfolio hedge against the depreciating currency. For example, INR against the US Dollar has depreciated by 3.5-5% over the last few years. Another reason for investing globally could be if you are planning to send your child for higher education abroad, you should always consider investing in the international market to hedge your portfolio against currency appreciation or depreciation. Investing in the global market protects the portfolio from currency depreciation. Additional read: What are international funds? 3. Opportunity Investment opportunity at the global level is immense and can be grabbed only through investing internationally. Economics doesn't grow at the same time and at the same pace. Still, if any economy is growing at a faster rate, then investors could benefit from these growing economies by investing directly or through international funds. Investing globally opens many gates; you can choose from various themes and sectors to invest in and even choose the region for investing. As for technology, you can invest in the US market, and for Engineering, you can consider investing in the Europe market. 4. Fraction buying Unlike in India, you can buy shares in a fraction of the US market. You can buy a fraction of a company's share, trading at $2000. Fractional buying makes the investment more affordable and accessible. So, if you have only Rs 1000/- to invest, you can do that easily. For example, if you want to buy an Apple Inc. share which is currently valued at 160 USD, but you don’t have enough amount to buy one share of the company, then, in that case, you can buy a fraction of the company's share with Rs 2500 also which will USD 30 approx. 5. Lower or managed risk Investing in the international market help to reduce the risk of the portfolio. Every country has a different macro-economy and policies. Developed countries relatively have low risk than developing economies. Spreading your investments in the developed economy could help you to generate better risk-adjusted returns. Conclusion Investing in the international market will help you diversify your portfolio and capture the new investment opportunity globally, but it also comes with risk factors. Always evaluate the risk-to-reward ratio before investing. If you don’t know where to invest and how to invest, download the EduFund app for android and iOS and scheduled a call for free with the experts. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

After a severe decrease during the pandemic's second wave, education inflation has already been rising continuously. Although inflation in the industry was 0.63% in April 2021, it soared to 4.12% a year later, as academic establishments resumed across the country. Analysts claim this will rise more in the coming months due to the return to routine post-Covid and the increased reliance on tuition. The CPI index for education has been declining since June 2020, when the country was placed under severe lockdown owing to the epidemic. While it began to rise in May 2021, the increase was not particularly steep. Education Inflation is rising In India, education inflation is gradually increasing. According to National Sample Survey data, the cost of elementary and upper primary schooling increased more dramatically, rising by 30.7% and 27.5%, respectively, between June 2014 and June 2018. Higher education saw a lower percentage growth. While graduate degree prices increased by 5.8%, PG and higher course fees increased by 13.19 %. This was a period of growing CPI inflation in education. However, almost all higher education institutions were closed for over a year in 2020, immediately following the pandemic. While some universities recalled their academics and master's students after the initial wave passed, schools did not reopen fully until 2022.  Schools did not demand any additional costs aside from tuition fees from parents when online classes were being held. Some states had also asked schools to collect only a percentage of the original costs. Students did not choose any other school-related facilities at the time. Since everything has returned to normal, inflation in this industry is expected to grow. College prices soared over 4 decades Over the last four decades, college tuition has skyrocketed. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the yearly cost of attending a four-year college full-time in 1980 was $10,231 (including tuition, fees, room and board, and inflation adjustment). By 2019-20, the overall cost had risen to $28,775. Additional read: How to repay education loans faster? 180% increase College costs have risen across the board, but private non-profit universities are more expensive than public colleges. In 2019-20, a full-time student at a private non-profit institution paid $48,965, compared to $21,035 at a public college. Nevertheless, the trend has decreased since 2019. Based on the data from the college board, average tuition, fees, and room and board at private non-profit four-year schools fell 0.2% from 2019-20 to 2021-22. Prices fell another 1.7% between 2020-21 and 2021-22. During the same period, public four-year colleges' tuition followed a similar pattern. With this increase in college prices, the situation after 10 years will be higher with inflation added. The expected rise in tuition fees While food inflation increased by 9.62% between 2012 and 2020, school expenditures increased by 10%. College tuition fees in India have risen dramatically over the years. Below is some information on complete course fees for specific courses and how they are likely to grow in the next years, based on fee increases in previous years. Increased tuition fees in international universities Regardless of the coronavirus pandemic, several international colleges raised their tuition for 2022-2023. Tuition rates at the University of Pennsylvania will rise by 2.9%, while education at Arizona State University will increase by 5% for international students. Tuition costs for international students at all three University of Illinois campuses are expected to rise by 1.5 - 2.5% Education inflation after 10 years Inflation in education raises the expenses of students' basics, such as accommodation, food, and transportation, as well as tuition fees, making it even more essential for students to spend very little and earn however much further possible. With the overall cost of attending college increasing, students will most certainly have to take out more loans; also, these new loans will have higher interest rates than in previous years. For the 2022 - 2023 school year, the interest rate on a federal undergraduate loan has already climbed to 4.99%, up from 3.73% last year. As a result, education inflation after ten years will almost certainly be substantially higher than it is now. Watching unending tuition increase is discouraging parents & students and making them feel powerless in stopping it. However, as an informed consumer, you may make wise decisions to avoid paying more than you can afford. Conclusion  For many students, borrowing is the only means to pay for a college education. It can be tough to deal with these financial constraints in college. It is critical to have a financial plan in place to deal with inflation. FAQs What is education inflation? Education inflation is when the costs of education rise across the economy. The rate of education inflation in India is 10% which means that tuition fees and other education-related costs are What causes education inflation in India? There are several reasons that cause education inflation, such as government funding cuts, higher cost of living, tuition fees, administration costs, security, modern school infrastructure, and technological advancements. Why are tuition fees rising? The average cost of pursuing a degree in the US rose by 497 percent between 1986 and 2018. Tuition fees are rising due to high inflation, a growing demand for foreign education as well as a lack of governmental intervention, and the presence of private bodies in the education sector.

Trying to figure out the average cost of sending your child for MS to the US? The cost of studying MS in the US comes to a total of about ₹76 lakhs - 1.1 crores. The total cost of completing an MS in the United States is constituted of both tuition fees and living expenses. Overview of costs of studying MS in the US The cost of an MS in the United States for Indian students throughout the program, including expenses made in India and the United States, is detailed below: Factors/ParameterAmount (in INR)GRE₹17,000TOEFL₹15,000Applications₹70,000 - 1,20,000Other Expenses During Applications₹10,000 - 15,000VISA Fee₹13,100SEVIS Fee₹17,600Airfares (one-way)₹90,000 - 1,20,000Tuition Fee₹65,00,000 - 90,00,000Living Expenses₹9,00,000 - ₹20,00,000Total₹76 lakhs - 1.1 crores These figures were calculated using a variety of assumptions, and individual costs may change. We have just summarised a few significant costs to estimate the average cost of studying abroad, focusing on the price of an MS in the US. How to save for your child’s MS in the US Here are several financial planning techniques that parents can employ to lessen the stress and increase the productivity of their child's MS in the US. By following these guidelines, you can help your child achieve their goals while also safeguarding your long-term financial stability. 1. Think about long-term financial planning before you start An early start to planning is crucial. Plans for your child's international education should be started as soon as possible. As a parent, you may need to make some sacrifices right now, so start analyzing your spending habits and cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Regularly set aside funds for your child's education. Additionally, consider other saving and investment choices. You must account for the greater cost of living in the US and incorporate this element into your plan from the start. 2. Keep exchange rates and inflation in mind For many years, the US dollar has consistently ranked among the strongest currencies in the world, with nearly all other currencies gradually depreciating in comparison to it. You should expect that your currency will also experience this in the future. No matter when you plan to send your child to the US for education, you must factor in inflation in your country and potential currency depreciation in your budget. By taking inflation and exchange rates into account, the EduFund College Cost Calculator may assist you in determining the average total cost you will need to send your child to the US for MS. Longer periods provide you more freedom to invest in risky assets like stock, which might help you in the long term to fight off the effects of inflation and fluctuation in exchange rates. 3. Find the most suited investment options Even though your child's journey to the US won't happen for several years, you might not be able to meet all of your child's future expenses by merely setting up an education fund with your current regular pay. Future living expenses will undoubtedly rise from current levels. If you want to decrease the impact of these possibly higher costs, you need to start looking for additional sources of funding straight away that are separate from your (and your partner's) salary income. As a result, you ought to research potential medium and long-term investment options that you may start pursuing right away. Recognize your ability for risk-taking and adjust your investments accordingly. In your hunt for mutual fund-based Systematic Investment Plans (SIP), academic investments, or savings plans particularly created for your child's MS in the US, EduFund’s financial experts can help. 4. Consult a specialist before investing or studying abroad The process of getting ready for education abroad is scary to the majority of people. Even if you start early, create a budget and a costing plan, and research the various investment options, you could still feel entirely unprepared despite having an action plan and strategy in place. If you're having trouble, talking to a professional can be a smart idea. With the help of our investment advisors and study abroad specialists, you may examine your options and develop a more detailed and useful approach. You might even come across fresh options that you weren't aware of or hadn't thought of before. Conclusion The practical costs of sending your child to the US for a master's degree in science can be confusing, but with systematic planning and a realistic outlook, you and your child can both gain over time from pursuing this desired goal. EduFund’s financial experts are constantly available for any assistance or advice you need. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

This Diwali, you might be receiving some bonuses. Well, let's invest and grow it. There are many categories of mutual funds, from equity to debt & hybrid. But there is one more category that invests in other funds/mutual funds schemes. These funds are known as Fund of Funds (FoFs) Important points before investing in FOF this Diwali 1. Types of FoFs Fund of Funds (FoFs) not only invest in international funds but also invest in domestic funds. Below are some categories of funds available in India for investment. International FoFs: These funds invest your money in mutual funds schemes offered by foreign companies. For example, Franklin India Feeder Franklin US Opportunities Direct-Fund Growth. This fund invests in Franklin U. S. Opportunities Fund, an overseas Franklin Templeton mutual fund that invests in securities in the United States of America. ETF FoFs: These funds invest your money in ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). An ETF invests in the Index of stocks, bonds, commodities and gold. To match the performance of the Index, subject to tracking error. For example, Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF. This fund invests in units of Motilal Nasdaq 100 ETF, which invest in companies of Nasdaq 100 in the same proportion, to deliver index-like returns, subject to tracking error. Gold FoFs: These funds primarily invest in gold funds and can also invest in gold or stocks of companies involved in gold mining. For example, Axis Gold Fund and Kotak Gold Fund. Asset Allocation FoFs: These funds invest in multi-asset classes like equity, debt, gold and commodities, etc. For example, ICICI Prudential Asset Allocator Fund (FoF) Direct Plan-Growth. 2. High expense ratio These categories of funds can charge a high expense ratio as the expenditure on these funds could be high, which is charged in the form of an expense ratio from the investors. One should always look for the expense ratio charges by the fund. 3. Offers diversification These funds offer good diversification. Diversification can be in multiple funds or multiple asset classes, etc. But sometimes, investing in these funds could lead to over-diversification of the portfolio, which might hamper the portfolio's performance.  4. Moderately risky With the quality of diversification, the fund's risk falls under the moderate risk category. As these funds invest in multiple funds, the fund's risk is balanced out. Let's say, in the case of multi-asset fof, if one asset class underperformed but another asset class outperformed, then the overall portfolio balanced out. 5. Taxation FoFs are considered debt funds, irrespective of the type of funds they invest in.  If you sell FoF mutual fund units before 3 years from the date of investment, then it will be treated as Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) and will be taxed as per your income tax slab. If you sell FoF mutual fund units after 3 years from the date of investment, then it will be treated as Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) and will be taxed at 20% flat with the benefit of indexation. Conclusion Before investing in FoFs, always first look for the holdings in which the fund is investing and then other factors that we discussed in this blog. You can also download the EduFund app. Check your risk appetite and invest accordingly. FAQs Is investing in a fund of funds good? Fund of Funds (FoF) is a good investment choice for investors who do not need liquid funds immediately. However, the downside of investing in FoF is the expense ratio. What is the difference between FOF and MF? Mutual funds invest in different equity and debt instruments. They invest in a company's stocks and debt papers on behalf of their investors. The FoF invests in other mutual funds. What are the disadvantages of fund of funds? The biggest disadvantage of fund of funds is the management fees or the expense ratio.