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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

Entrance exams are fundamental for advancing in a profession, and sometimes the more expensive the career exam, the more rewarding it proves for your professional life. If you want to know about “what are the most expensive career exams to take”, then you have come to the right place as this blog is going to deal with this query. Entrance exam in India with fees Career exams from reputed universities help you in creating a successful career path. Even education counselors recommend admission to popular universities as it helps in achieving desired career goals.  The most expensive career exams are in engineering, law, medicine, arts, and management. Let us go through some of them to get a clear picture of the cost of appearing in such exams. 1. GMAT The GMAT exam is for students who want to pursue an MBA course abroad. The cost of GMAT exams is $275 (INR 22,588.50) GST inclusive for Indian students. It is applicable for both online and offline exams.  2. JEE (AIEEE) Since the year 2014, AIEEE has been replaced with JEE exams. These are conducted in two stages, JEE Main and JEE Advanced, for admission to engineering colleges all over India.   3. JEE Main The cost of JEE Main entrance exams in India is INR 650 per paper for boys and INR 325 per paper for girls of the General category, and INR 325 per paper for both boys and girls of SC/ST/PWD/Transgender categories.  For outside India, the cost is INR 3,000/paper for boys and INR 1,500/paper for girls of the General category, and INR 1500/paper for both boys and girls of SC/ST/PWD/Transgender categories.  4. JEE Advanced The total cost of JEE Advanced is INR 2600 + GST for boys of the General category and INR 1300 + GST for boys of SC/ST/PWD/Transgender categories. Female students belonging to any category do not have to pay the fees.  5. NLU (CLAT)  NLU or the National Law Universities conduct CLAT for BBA LLB, BA LLB, LLM, etc.  The cost of the exams for both boys and girls in the General/OBC/PWD/PIO/NRI/OCI category is INR 4,000 and for boys and girls in SC/BPL/ST categories is INR 3,500. Students who want to receive the previous year's question papers have to pay another INR 500.  6. BITSAT Students appearing for BITSAT are eligible for several courses like B.E, BPharma, and M.Sc at BITS Pilani Campuses. The cost of the career exams is INR 3,400 for boys and INR 2,900 for girls for one session and INR 5,400 for boys and, INR 4,400 for girls for both sessions.   7. GATE GATE is a qualifying exam for admission to PG courses in IITs and IISc. The cost of this career exam is INR 850 for female students and students of SC/ST/PWD categories and INR 1700 for all other applicants. If the exam center is in Dhaka and Kathmandu, the cost is $100 (INR 8,214), and for Dubai and Singapore, it is $200 (INR 16,428).  8. CAT CAT or Common Admission Test are conducted by IIMs for admission to Post Graduate, Executive Education, and Doctoral programs. The cost of appearing in CAT is INR 2,300 for both male and female students in the General/NC/OBC categories and INR 1150 for SC/ST/PWD categories.  9. GPAT The NTA conducts the GPAT career exams for admission to MPharma courses. The cost is INR 2,000 for boys and INR 1,000 for girls in the General category, and INR 1,000 for students of Gen-EWS/Sc/ST/OBC/PWD/Transgender categories.  10. NEET-UG NEET UG replaced AIPMT and is now conducted by NTA for admission to the medical institutes in India for MBBS. The cost of appearing in NEET-UG for boys and girls of the General category is INR 1,600, for General-EWS/OBC-NCL category is INR 1,500 and for SC/ST/PWD/Third Gender categories is INR 900.   Conclusion The most expensive career exams are a challenge at the beginning, no doubt because you need to pay a huge amount of money just to appear for these exams. But once they get through and complete the course, the candidates can expect a good job with a good salary.  The education counselors on the Edufund App offer one-on-one guidance to simplify information and clear all the doubts about your dream university and career exams across regions and domains all over India and abroad. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

“How much money do you need for major entrance exams” is an important query that students need to know about before preparing for the examinations.  The entrance examination is the gateway into postgraduate, undergraduate, and professional degree courses. Most colleges or universities require students to sit in the entrance exams to evaluate their academic capabilities and aptitude.  Students who manage to score well in the entrance exams become qualified for the next round in the selection process. This increases their chances of getting admitted to the prospective school. Entrance exams are not free as the students have to pay a specific amount as fees for getting the application form and taking part in the preliminary exams. What is an entrance exam? Entrance exams are conducted by educational institutions or authorized independent bodies like NTA to select deserving students for admission into a specific study course or stream. These are competitive in nature and often held at national levels for all the students living in India, and some cases for Indian students living abroad. Major entrance exams in India with fees Entrance exams are conducted for different types of fields in India like engineering, management, medicine, science, law, fashion, etc. What are the important entrance exams and how much money do you need for some of the major entrance exams are discussed in this section.   1. Medical Examinations - National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) NEET-UG is conducted on an all-India level for admission to all the medical institutes in India for MBBS and BDS courses. The competitive entrance exam is conducted by NTA once a year.  The application fee for students belonging to the General category is INR 1,600, for General-EWS/OBC-NCL category is INR 1,500, and for SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender is INR 900. For students outside India, the fee is INR 8,500 irrespective of the category they belong to.  2. Engineering - Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) The JEE Main exam is held on a national level and conducted by the National Testing Agency or NTA for admissions to engineering colleges in India. On average 25,000 seats for engineering and architecture are filled through these entrance exams. For exam centers in India, the application fees for the JEE Main entrance exams Paper 1 and Paper 2B is INR 650 per paper for boys and INR 325 per paper for girls belonging to the General student category and INR 325 per paper for both boys and girls belonging to SC/ST/PwD/Transgender categories.  If the exam center is outside India then the application fee is INR 3,000/paper for boys and INR 1,500/paper for girls belonging to the General category and INR 1500/paper for both boys and girls belonging to SC/ST/PwD/Transgender categories.  3. Law - CLAT or Common Law Admission Test The National Law Universities in India offer admission to both Postgraduate (PG) and Undergraduate (UG) Law Programmes through CLAT. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted once a year for various courses like BBA LLB, BA LLB, LLM, etc.  The application fee for General/OBC/PWD/PIO/NRI/OCI applicants is INR 4,000 and for SC/BPL/ST categories is INR 3,500. Candidates interested in question papers from previous years will have to pay an additional INR 500 irrespective of their category. 4. Management Entrance Exams - CAT or Common Admission Test IIMs conduct a management aptitude test called CAT to evaluate and select students for the post-graduate program. It is a national-level entrance examination held once a year and is open for all graduates who wish to get admission to management programs and business administration courses. The application fee for CAT is INR 2,300.  5. Film and Television Entrance Examinations  - Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay conducts CEED for applicants who wish to get admission to the Master of Design and Ph.D. Programs. The application fees for the qualifying examination are INR 1,800 for women in the General category, INR 1,800 for SC/ST/PwD categories, and 3,600 for all other candidates plus the applicable GST for all categories.  - National School of Drama (NSD) Screening Test The NSD Screening Test is conducted for admission to the Diploma program in Acting and Theatre Techniques and Design. The online application fee is INR 50 but if applicants choose offline mode along with the prospectus then they will have to pay INR 225.  Conclusion  By now you have got the answer to your query “How much money do you need for major entrance exams”. This will prove helpful in determining the amount of money a student will have to pay for entering into a specific stream. TALK TO AN EXPERT

You want to provide your kids with the brightest future possible as a parent. With the growing inflation and changing lifestyles, this chore may be extremely difficult. Thus planning and making wise financial decisions can enable you to protect your children's future and support them in realizing their aspirations. In this blog, we'll talk about the benefits of child investment plans. Why is it important to save for your children? Saving for your kids can significantly impact their life. With proper preparation, rising expenditures brought on by inflation may be avoided. Additionally, in case of an emergency, a corpus might shield your kids from any financial misfortunes. Saving money now for your children can ultimately benefit them during nearly all significant stages of their life. When you save for your children, you provide them with a strong foundation that enhances their confidence in everything from the level of school they get to being independent and beginning their own business. Your financial provision for them serves as a security net and gives them the greatest possible start in adulthood. Benefits of child investment plans 1. Financial security  Savings plans for kids offer a lump sum payout in the form of the claim amount in the event of an unexpected circumstance. The plan is still in effect, and the life insurance company is responsible for all future premium payments. The payoff received after the insurance period guarantees that your children's wishes will always come true. 2. Tax benefits  Additionally, these plans provide Section 80C tax advantages on premiums paid up to INR 1.5 lakh in a fiscal year. According to Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act of 1961, the payout received after the policy term is likewise tax-exempt. 3. Education costs benefits  Almost all parents, when asked about their top worry for their child's future, will quip about how expensive schooling has become in the modern world. It costs money to send your child to a decent school. Additionally, as the year's pass, your child could opt to pursue other education that would cost the earth. Your financial load will be lessened if you make wise financial decisions and enroll in a kid insurance plan that matures throughout these seasons. 4. Withdraw part of the funds After the policy term, child plans provide maturity benefits in the form of a lump payment. You may choose a maturity date based on how soon your child will require money in the future. Your investment accumulates a tidy corpus over the course of the term, which is sufficient to pay for your child's dreams. 5. A habit of saving As we have indicated, childcare plans offer the benefits of both insurance and investment. Go back to your financial plan before purchasing a child care plan and estimate your financial needs at each stage of life. Determine the expenses you are saving for, such as elementary and secondary education, college, a wedding, etc. Additionally, evaluate your other obligations, such as a mortgage, and decide on an insurance plan that perfectly complements your financial strategy. Although it may at first seem like a nuisance, making regular premium payments will eventually become a habit that will serve you well as your child becomes older. Investment strategy for child investment plans 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. 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. 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. 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.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

What is the right time to invest in child investment plans is one of the most important questions for parents. Investing when your child is young and about to head off to school is considered the right time to invest in child investment plans. In fact, this ensures that your kids won't have to abandon their aspirations due to a lack of funding. The right time to invest in child investment plans The best time to start investing is right now since there are several advantages to beginning early. The sooner you begin investing, the more you can eventually give your kids. Your biggest ally is time, so even if you just save a tiny amount today, it will eventually grow into a sizable corpus. The power of compounding should be fully utilized in order to maximize the profits that will be created on any current investments you make. Starting to save for your children as soon as possible is a wise move. You may make sure that every monetary element of their lives is taken into consideration in this way. But it's never too late to start saving. Even if you start saving while your kids are young (1 to 8 years old), you can amass enough money to support them as they age and their expenditures rise. How to invest in child investment plans? You should put time and effort into your child's future if you want to be totally ready for any situation. The following things should be taken into account when choosing when to start investing. You must make a decision on the time range for investment because the amount of time you wish to continue making the commitment is one of the most important elements to take into account when planning future investments. The benefits are often larger the longer the time horizon. The average cost of your child's future education must be considered as the second element. Costs for postgraduate education are sometimes greater than those for graduation, however, this varies per school. You should also think about whether you want your child to have a local education or a global education. You could also consider your child's graduation in your own nation as well as their subsequent post-graduation in a foreign nation. Before making future plans, you must first evaluate your current situation. Analyze your assets and obligations attentively before making a choice. You should be completely aware of the present value of your Child plan if you're putting a portion of your funds there. Knowing an investment's current value might prevent you from spending too much on other financial objectives, including retirement. Please refrain from using the Child plan to cover other low-priority costs, such as house renovations. It's wise to prepare for the unexpected at all times. It's possible to incorporate other costs like rent, pocket money, and so on. Once your child enters high school, there are a variety of other factors to take into account in addition to school and tuition costs. Even while these sums initially appear insignificant, they could end up costing you more in the long term. If your child plans to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies abroad, it is even more important Different investment options for your child's investment plans 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 gives investors the chance 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 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. What various child education programs are there in India? Currently, India offers 3 main kinds of child education plans: Equity-Linked Child Plans Endowment Child Plan Guaranteed Return Child Plans 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. 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

As parents, providing your kids with the greatest education given the growing expense of school is your number one priority. By making early child investment plans, you make sure that your kids won't have to abandon their aspirations due to a lack of funding. Let’s find out the importance of child investment plans and how child plans solidify your child’s future. What is a child investment plan?  Child investment plans are specialized life insurance policies that assist you in meeting your savings and life insurance needs while providing for the future security of your children. Being a parent, correctly raising your kids, and giving them a solid education must be among your top priorities. You may realize all of your goals for your child with the use of a child plan, including assisting them in pursuing their desire to attend a top institution. Importance of child investment plans Child 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 lengthens the time frame over which your assets can increase and balances the associated risks. The following are some benefits of investing in a child's plan:  1. Funding for children's education As your child gets older, a significant portion of your resources will go into paying for your child's education, thus preparing for higher education is essential for guaranteeing their future. You may generate the money required so that your child can follow their ideal job by investing in their education. With college costs increasing, every day matters when it comes to being financially prepared for your child’s education. Get in touch with our experts at EduFund and you can save up to 2.5 Cr by starting today.  2. Flexibility to withdraw part of funds By selecting a child investment plan that gives you the freedom to withdraw funds as per your kid's requirements, you may easily access a portion of your funds while the remainder of your investments continue to grow 3. Protection against uncertain times Many kid insurance policies have advantages including premium waivers. This makes it such that, in the sad event that anything bad happens, future premium payments won't be necessary. The investment yields a lump sum payment upon maturity and grows without the requirement for premium payments. This guarantees that no matter what, your child's dreams are protected. Different investment plans 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 gives investors the chance 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. Investment strategy for child investment plans List concrete objectives from the outset, such as the child's desired schooling and associated fees. This will enable you to estimate how much you can afford after paying all of your usual bills and how much you need to save each month. You must keep in mind, though, that loans can also be used to pay for education. Saving for your child's education does not, therefore, require you to forgo other expenses like healthcare and retirement. Reduce your stock exposure as the financial objective approaches to lower the chance of negative market moves. FAQ 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.  What various child education programs are there in India? Currently, India offers 3 main kinds of child education plans: Equity-Linked Child Plans Endowment Child Plan Guaranteed Return Child Plans 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. 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

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

Sweden has risen to the top of the list of study-abroad destinations for international students. Because of the political turmoil in the United States and the UK's contentious Brexit, more international students consider Sweden a potential study-abroad destination.  The high expense of studying in Stockholm is one of the numerous problems. Many students must choose between paying the high living costs in Stockholm and attending an expensive institution. Student loans for studies in Sweden and scholarships are just a few ways to alleviate this stress and cost, and there are some possibilities for Swedish students as well. However, when it comes to the cost of living in Stockholm, students understand that higher prices come with a richer life. This is reflected in the increased quality of life, which is among the highest in Europe. People don't mind spending more because the price is worth it for a higher standard of living. So, let's look at how much it costs to live in Stockholm. Cost of living in Stockholm Accommodation: ₹20,000 - 54,000 per month Food: ₹16,000 - 20,000 per month 3-Course Meal: ₹3,500 - 5,500 per month Books and other study materials: ₹5,000 - 7,000 per month Social activities and entertainment: ₹6,000 - 9,000 per month Health insurance: Starts at ₹2,500 per month Public transportation: ₹3,000 - 5,000 per month Bicycle for rent: ₹8,000 - 10,000 per month Students must plan for the expense of living in Stockholm. They are really high. Monthly living expenses are projected to range between Rs 55,000 and Rs 95,000. 1. Accommodation costs Student housing is usually difficult to come by. The best place to begin is through your university's student services. They will frequently have relevant information or will be able to assist you in contacting the organizations that deal with student housing (or dorms).  Dormitories are a wonderful option for international students wishing to meet new people and find people who share their interests.  For Indian students, the living costs in Stockholm might range between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 per month.  The second alternative, which is far more popular than the first, is to share a residence with other international students. So the average monthly living cost in an apartment in Stockholm is roughly ₹50,000 - ₹60,000. According to your child’s necessities, this could be a terrific way to avoid feeling lonely and alone. 2. Cost of transportation in Stockholm In Sweden, public transportation is extremely valued among students. It is used by more than 40% of students to get to university and other sites around town. It normally costs between ₹3,000 and ₹4,500 per month. Your child can also choose to ride a bike for transportation, costing them between ₹9,000 and $10,000 per month. In Stockholm, 27% of students use bicycles to get to the city. 3. Food expenses in Stockholm Food prices can vary greatly based on your child’s eating habits. If they cook, they may spend between ₹14,000 and ₹ 20,000 each month. If they eat a lot of takeout, that amount may be between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000. However, there are alternatives to cut these prices, such as shopping at low-cost supermarkets like Lidl, Willy's, and suburban stores.  In Stockholm, an average lunch costs between ₹600 and ₹800.  A three-course supper for two in a typical restaurant may cost between Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,500.  That may not appear to be much to you. But for the typical Swedish, it's a lot. 4. Another miscellaneous cost Study material including books: ₹6,000 - 6,500 per month Entertainment and social activities: ₹5,500 - 8,000 per month Health insurance: plans starting at ₹2,300 per month Conclusion  Living in Sweden could be a dream come true because of its scenic beauty as well as its academic standing. But there are many challenges, the major being the language barrier and expensive living. There are scholarships and grants available through universities as well as government and non-government organizations that can ease the financial aspect.  Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and has great study and work opportunities, you just need to prove yourself. Scoring high in your academics is crucial and will definitely be rewarding. If there is any confusion or concern regarding the financial aspects of living and studying in Stockholm, our team of financial experts is constantly available to clarify your doubts and guide you in fulfilling your child's dreams. TALK TO AN EXPERT