EduFund Blogs

With over 1,30,000 funds globally, it becomes challenging and confusing for an investor to choose funds best suited for their goals, objectives, risk appetite, and investment horizon. As investors, when we need guidance and assistance, we often get confused between Investment Managers, Investment Advisors, Financial Planners, Wealth Managers, and Asset Managers!   In this article, let's see the difference between Investment Managers vs Investment Advisors and which professional help you should take based on your requirement. Who is an Investment Advisor?  An Investment Advisor performs detailed research, analyzing the market movements and cycles. During this research and analysis, they inform clients of profitable or growth-oriented assets. Investment advisors work with you to understand your financial worth, goals and objectives, preferred investments, risk tolerance, phase of life, etc.   Advisors first understand their client's financial requirements, risk capacity, and investment goals and then create a detailed investment plan. Depending on the agreement type with the client, the Investment Advisor will periodically review the client's portfolio and rebalance the asset allocation if required to ensure the investments are aligned with the client’s financial goals.  Fee: Investment Advisors charge a flat fee, whether time-based or asset-based, for their services.   Additional read: Short-term vs long-term savings for your child’s education Who is an Investment Manager?  An Investment Manager’s primary role is to manage investments on their client’s behalf. Their clients could be an individual, an organization, or even the government. An Investment Manager handles all activities required to manage an investment portfolio. The activities mainly relate to performance management and buying and selling investment instruments. Their objective is to ensure safety but, at the same time, provide optimized returns on investments. Investment Managers rely on day-to-day financial analysis to ensure the investment products recommended to their clients provide optimized risk-adjusted returns.   Fee: Investment Managers work only on a fee cost model, usually in terms of commission.  Difference between an Investment Manager vs Investment Advisor Parameters Investment Managers Investment Advisors Role They offer data and analysis on fund performance and risk capacity to help pick the correct fund. They offer complete advice regarding your financial standing and well-being, including your budget, retirement, taxes, investment planning, etc. Scope Offer to advise only related to your portfolio creation and management. Offer advice by assessing your financial position and creating a plan to help you reach your financial goals. Services offered Investment Managers cannot be investment Advisors.  Investment Advisors can offer portfolio management services. Fee They work on a fee cost that is usually a commission-based model. Their fee is fixed based on a period or the volume of assets they handle. Bias There are chances of little advice as they might sell certain funds that offer them higher commissions. Meager chances of biased advice as they receive a fixed fee from you. The client’s growth is beneficial to the Advisor's goodwill. Eligibility To be an investment manager, one should have a bachelor’s degree in finance, business or accounting and an MBA if required by certain institutions. To be an investment advisor in India, one should have passed both levels of the NISM Series X – Investment Adviser certifications.   Conclusion  In volatile market conditions, consulting an experienced Investment Advisor proves beneficial as they provide a detailed goal-based planning approach with proper diversification to reduce the overall portfolio volatility. A goal-based planning approach considers all your investment objectives and commitment and ensures that you are financially prepared to achieve those goals. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Japan continues to amaze people all over the world with its distinct culture and traditions that perfectly blend with technology and innovation. Japan has grown tremendously throughout the years to occupy a key position when it comes to innovation, progress, and growth.  Aside from being a technological powerhouse, Japan is also renowned as an educational powerhouse. The credit for this goes to Japan's renowned institutions, which provide world-class education, training, and research opportunities.  Today, over 3 lakh foreign students from over 170 countries have chosen to study in Japan. International students are lured to Japan to study for its simplicity, diversified culture, and employment prospects, in addition to academic achievement. Why choose Japan to study? Here are a few factors that foreign students should know if they plan to pursue higher education in Japan: Instruction language: English and Japanese Average Study Cost: ₹3 - 8 lakhs per year Average Living Cost: ₹6 -  9.60 lakhs yearly Funding sources: Fellowships, Scholarships, and Grants Exam Requirement: IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, EJU, and more. Intakes: 3 times per year - Spring, Fall, Summer  Top programs:  Welfare and Health Biological Sciences Food Science and Technology Fine Arts and Social Sciences Electronics and Engineering Business and Management, etc. Best cities for Students:  Tokyo Kyoto Sapporo Osaka Yokohama Fukuoka, etc. Cost of attendance The study cost in Japan is determined by the course and university your child chooses. The lifestyle they pick influences the total cost as well. The overall cost is divided into two categories: tuition fees and living expenses. 1. Tuition Fees In Japan, tuition is substantially lower than in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is best to send your child to a public institution if you want to save money. In Japan, unlike in other nations, the pricing structure for international and domestic students is nearly identical. Here are the rough fees for bachelor's and master's degrees- Bachelors: ₹3 - 8 lakhs annually Masters: ₹3 - 11 lakhs annually  2. Cost of Living The lifestyle chosen by international students determines the living costs in Japan. They should consider student living and applying for multiple scholarship programs if they have a limited budget. Some expenses, though, are unavoidable.  Depending on the location and lifestyle, the average student spends between ₹45,000 and 60,000 per month on housing and other basic needs. Cities such as Osaka and Tokyo are costlier than smaller towns in rural Japan. Additional read: Living expenses in Canada Top scholarships For Indian students, studying in Japan can be an expensive experience. This is when scholarships come in handy. Every year, Japanese universities and the Japanese government provide numerous scholarships to international students. The majority of the scholarships are entirely funded and open to students of all nationalities. The following are some of the top scholarships available at Japanese universities. Additional read: Living expenses in France Special scholarship in the Ph.D. program at Otani University 2022 International students with merit who are pursuing a Ph.D. at Otani University in any field. Benefit: A half-month stipend offered by the Student Services Organization. 1. Super KUAS-E Scholarship Students at Kyoto University of Advanced Science's Faculty of Engineering who have excelled academically.  Benefit: ₹6 - 7 lakhs stipend + tuition waiver + admission fee waiver 2. KUAS-E Scholarship Students at the Kyoto University of Advanced Science who have excelled in the Faculty of Engineering.  Benefit: Tuition tuition waiver (100%, 50%, or 30%) + Admission fee waiver (100%, 50%, or 30%) 3. MEXT Asia Pacific University Japanese Government Scholarship  Students with merit at the Asia Pacific University who are pursuing a full-time bachelor’s, master's, or Ph.D. degree.  Benefit: Full Tuition Fee waiver, Monthly Stipend as well as Airfare Tickets 4. ADB Scholarship University of Tokyo Students with merit at the University of Tokyo who are pursuing a two-year master’s degree. Benefit: Full Tuition Fee waiver, study material, Housing, Stipend, Airfare Tickets, and Medical Allowance. 5. Tokyo Institute of Technology Scholarship Students with merit at the Tokyo Institute of Technology pursuing their master’s or doctoral programs. Benefit: ₹80,000 - 85,000 per month for Master’s as well as Doctoral Programs. 6. KGU Graduate School International Scholarships Students with merit at the Kwansei Gakuin University pursuing postgraduate programs in Japan.  Benefit: 50% tuition fees covered per annum. Work Opportunities Students with work permits can work in a variety of part-time employment in Japan. They need to have a current student visa to apply for a work permit, which is placed on their passport as a sticker.  International students with a work permit are permitted to work 28 hours weekly during the school year and 40 hours weekly during the semester break. This is a great way to start earning and managing their funds and also gives them a work-life experience. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

According to a study by DNA, “A child begins its tuition by the age of 4 and continues until graduation”. From primary education to clearing competitive examinations like IAS and IPS, coaching remains an indispensable part of a student’s life. CRISIL (Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) says- “ Preparing students for coaching classes may hit 70,000 crores by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 16%". Popularity reasons 1. Personalized and detailed guidance Coaching teachers and staff provide needed guidance to students based on personal experiences and teachings. They help students master concepts from scratch and eliminate any confusion. Their personal experiences help children clarify career goals and peep into the new options available to excel. Personalized interaction helps a child clear doubts and understand the subject in depth. 2. 1:1 attention Coaching institution aims at dividing the batch into limited students to pay attention to every student. According to a psychological fact, children learn better in a familiar environment. The coaching teachers help students progress according to their caliber. In schools, the teacher could hardly concentrate on every student given the time constraints. 3. Simplified learning with easy techniques and technology  With advanced techniques paving the way for all-inclusive education, private coaching classes prioritize personal attention. Using different learning and technological techniques for a defined group of students helps each student grow. They do so by grasping the learning pattern and ability of a child. This way, children could perform 60% better.   Using animated videos, quizzes, stories, and images on a projector helps children relate better to the concept. Children capture visuals better than text. 4. Specific attention in every subject  Students missing a day in school miss essential concepts. They cover up each idea quickly in situations with the flexibility of timing and learning concepts. Following half-known concepts in class becomes challenging but learning from scratch helps garner a grip over the concept. Even if they don’t understand, they could clarify the exact multiple times from the coaching teacher.  5. Flexibility to attend online classes  In cases where students struggle to follow up on concepts, they can arrange a 1:1 session with the coaching teacher. Additional read: Importance of an optimistic mindset in mutual funds investments Growth spectrum of private coaching classes in India by 2030 According to Economic Times, “India will become a 313 US million-dollar education industry market by 2030.” Upskilling and private coaching classes increased dramatically following the pandemic. Top 7 Productive ideas for growth Affordable Online test preparation and exam platforms Extra-curricular inclusive course structure Teacher training and development Affordable finance options- loans Innovative finance options in education and skilling Micro and alternative credentials to boost the employability of children Vast social and emotional learning opportunities How can technology bridge the remaining coaching gap?  The sudden closure of schools affected around 150 million girls. Many girls in rural India are devoid of any such educational opportunities. If the government makes adequate investments in this regard, one can bridge the education gap. Initiatives like affordable loan schemes, laptops, and internet connectivity in rural areas could help these kids enroll study in the best private coaching classes. Conclusion With private coaching fees increasing incessantly along with higher study costs, Edufund helps parents save through a personalized investment plan. You can invest in your child’s coaching class costs via short-term goal savings plans well ahead. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Studying abroad is not just about paying tuition fees, it also means moving to a new country and paying for accommodation, and all daily needs. Moving and living in a new city to study can be costly. Consider, that the average cost of living in Victoria, Canada for a single person is CAD 3, 494 (Rs. 2,86,111.61). A scholarship can reduce this cost partially or fully. Apply for Scholarship Tips on how to get a scholarship to study abroad 1. Make Google your best friend  The key step to winning a scholarship to study abroad is to do your research. Find out all the scholarships you are eligible to apply to and if those scholarships cover the program you are aiming for. The best place to start is the university website. Many universities offer scholarships to international students for specific courses that can reduce a significant portion of your yearly tuition expense.   Try to check government websites to see if they have any scholarships. A Pro tip would be to read the news daily and find out if there are any new scholarships announced by government institutions or corporate powerhouses to help students finance their dream education.   2. Ask the foreign university administration  To get a scholarship to study abroad, you need to develop a proactive approach and reach out to stakeholders. Don’t hesitate to ask the administration if they have any scholarships, grants, or bursaries for Indian nationals. If the university does not offer any exclusive scholarships, then ask them for help to apply to organizations that can sponsor your education. Sometimes asking for help is the best way to easily get a scholarship to study abroad!   3. Approach your seniors for information  Your seniors are the best source of information for scholarships. Since they have been in your shoes and done their due research, you can ask them for the different sources and organizations that you can apply to, to get a scholarship to study abroad.   4. Work on your SOP to stand out  The only way to get a scholarship to study abroad is to make your application unforgettable. This means working consistently on your scores, and extracurriculars and creating an amazing statement of purpose. Avoid generic statements and quotes. Make sure your statement of purpose highlights all your achievements and your future vision. Try to align your goals with the course you have opted for and the scholarship’s aim. By showing that your aims are aligned with the scholarship’s aim and your course, you can prove to the deciding committee that you are a desirable candidate.   What makes you an ideal candidate for a Scholarship? Read More 5. Get stellar LORs   Many scholarships require students to submit letters of recommendation. The recommendations are given by your professors, teachers, counselors, or your boss as a testimony. The recommendation letter should always come from credible sources so that the scholarship committee knows that you are a valuable candidate. Avoid asking your parents or relatives to write a recommendation letter for you. A common mistake most students make is to write the letter on their own or on behalf of their teacher.   6. Prove your worth  Winning a scholarship is not easy, especially when you are competing with thousands of candidates for the same position. The only way to get a scholarship to study abroad would be to prove your worth and show to the committee that you are a valuable candidate. This is possible through your SOP, academic history, extracurriculars, and finally, LORs. Acing these documents can help you get an interview where you can show your worth and win a scholarship to your dream university!   7. Respect the deadlines and proofread everything  Scholarships have strict deadlines that all students must adhere to. Start the process of finding the scholarships and submitting the documents months in advance so that you have enough time to ace your application. Another tip is to proofread all the information you have provided. Make sure you do not provide false information or lie on your application. FAQ How do I study abroad for free?  It is possible to study abroad for free with a scholarship. Many foreign and local universities offer scholarships to academically gifted or highly valued students to help them finance a portion of their tuition. How do you get a 100% scholarship?  Winning a 100% scholarship is extremely tough. You must have a powerful profile with a stellar academic record, extracurriculars, social work, and well-written SOP and LORs. 100% scholarships are hard to win and are given to outstanding students.  Can an average student get a scholarship to study abroad?  Yes, there are different types of scholarships like need-based, merit-based, and identity-based scholarships that students can apply for and win even if their academic records are average. Finding the right scholarship and working hard on your application can help you win a scholarship despite average academic scores.   These are some tips on how to get a scholarship to study abroad that you can use! There are thousands of scholarships available to international students, If you feel overwhelmed or stressed about finding the right scholarship then reach out to an expert and get the help you need to make your college life memorable.

The United Kingdom has a long tradition of intellectual success. It is one of the well-liked destinations for overseas students pursuing higher education. Regarding MS, UK institutions are at the frontline of offering a diverse selection of courses according to the student's interests.  MS in the United Kingdom provides full-time 1 or 2-year long courses. Specialists from various roles, industries, and courses are available at UK institutions, allowing overseas students to follow their selected degree programs. Popular MS specializations in the UK The following is a listing of the best MS Specialisations in the UK for Indian students. MS in Biology (Sciences)  MS in IT & Networking  MS in Engg (others)  MS in Geology  MS in Computer Science & Engineering  MS in Health Science  MS in Electronics & Electrical Engineering  MS in Mathematics Ways to save for MS in the UK A Master's degree might boost your child’s income potential. It might also be an opportunity to explore something your child is interested in. Saving in advance is the most effective way to reduce the expenditure burden your child will have to handle with student loans. Here's how to get started. 1. Set a goal and a budget for savings Setting a clear objective for the amount to finance your child’s Master’s can assist you in planning for the future. Calculating how much you'll need to save boils down to weighing costs. First, estimate how much money you'll require to pay for their tuition and living expenses. Then consider obtaining student loans, but proceed with caution. Calculate the monthly payment cost of the loan after your child graduates. 2. Refinance private student loans To save money, refinance outstanding private student loans. If your child is currently paying their student loans with a bachelor’s degree, the interest rates may have decreased since then. Interest rates on student loans are predicted to surge throughout 2022. In June, the federal funds rate was raised by 75 basis points, and fed officials anticipate future hikes. This might result in increased interest rates on both private & federal student loans. If you hold private student loans, refinancing replaces your loan with a new loan with a reduced interest rate. Refinancing existing student loans may allow you to free up a few additional rupees in your monthly budget for savings. 3. Choose the best option to start saving There are several options to save for future college fees, ranging from a traditional high-yield savings account to a college investing account. However, the best way to save will be determined by the timing of your strategy.  Select investment programs that offer investment possibilities customized to various periods and risk sensitivities. If you gradually adapt to being more conservative, you may invest more aggressively. Some of the options to start savings include - Mutual fund investing US ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) Purchasing insurance policies Purchasing real estate Making an investment in PPF With these ways to save for your child's education, you may stop worrying about the cash needed to send your child to his or her ideal college. 4. Prepare early savings Investment needs time to mature. Education costs are often long-term goals that require more than five years to attain. Consider how much time you will need to create your children's education fund for MS in the UK.  The more time you have, the lighter your load will be. The sooner you begin investing & saving, the better. Top 10 MS colleges in the United Kingdom There are around 115+ MS Colleges in the UK. MS costs about INR 27.40 lakhs in the UK (approx.). The top specializations are IT and networking, Engg (others), Biology (Sciences), Geology, Health Science, Computer Science and engineering, Electronics and electrical Engineering, and Mathematics.  A bachelor's degree + Statement of Purpose (SOP) + IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score+ Letter of Recommendation (LOR) + GMAT/GRE scores + resume + job experience is required for admission. Consider looking at the best colleges in the UK for overseas students seeking an MS. Top MS Courses in the United Kingdom MS tuition prices in the United Kingdom Conclusion According to Census Bureau data, earning a master's degree may earn you up to $400,000 more than a bachelor's degree throughout your life. However, because this is throughout a lifetime, you may not see any significant financial rewards at first. As a result, it is critical to begin planning and conserving as soon as possible.  Senior financial counselors and planners urge parents to examine the higher education level they expect their children to achieve before developing a plan. More importantly, gathers information about current tuition costs and detects yearly increases. Make wise financial decisions, and you'll experience a lot less worry in the future. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

There is no doubt that universities are charging today's students more for higher education in comparison to prior generations. The average cost of undergraduate tuition, fees, and living expenses climbed 169% between 1980 and 2020. While parents may plan their finances according to their child's higher education and invest in funds on time, they may still not be able to factor in inflation while focusing on the foreign application process in general. There are some rules to be followed to get your visa accepted, any error can cause your visa rejection. Canada alone rejected nearly 41% of the visa applications in 2022 itself. 1. Visa refusal Rejection of your request for entry into another country by an embassy, consulate, or high commission is known as a visa refusal. They offer the necessary reasons for the visa denial, which can enable you to make amends in subsequent visa applications. There are requirements you must meet to apply for a visa. You will not be granted a visa if you do not fulfill them. You might need to meet certain requirements, such as not having any pending criminal charges against you and not having given incorrect facts on the application for the visa. Your biggest nightmare might be having your visa application rejected. It is agonizing to put in numerous hours and efforts to obtain a visa only to have it denied. Whatever the grounds for the visa rejection, it not only crushes your plans to visit your destinations but also significantly impacts your future travel. 2. Lack of funds in the bank account This is among the most frequent reasons for visa denials. You must prove that you have the resources to support your stay for the entire period of your trip before entering a country. The expense of your travel in a certain country has been determined by the consulate at a specific amount. This is to prevent you from having a difficult time in the nation and from turning into a burden on it. A visa application may be denied if your account does not show the anticipated amount. It may also be denied if the money is difficult to obtain. For instance, to obtain a visa for a 15-day stay in the USA, you must have between $5,000 and $10,000 in your bank account. Your visa application will be denied if your bank statement reveals a balance of less than $ 5,000 and you requested a stay of 20 days. Additionally, if you send a credit card or other paperwork in place of an account statement, your application may be denied. An applicant for a student visa must be able to demonstrate their financial capacity to cover the cost of their first academic year. Consuls stationed in poor nations are extra careful against fraud in this area. Presenting a bank statement that demonstrates a $50,000 transfer onto your sponsor's account two days before the interview would raise concerns about the source and the authenticity of the funds' availability to cover the cost of the education. Parent-sponsors who work in low-paid government posts could come under suspicion. Friends who serve as sponsors could be questioned about their level of dedication. How familiar are you with this uncle-sponsor? How recently did you last see him? Most governments investigate how you came by the presented funds. Additional read: Financial Planning for Contingencies Steps to avoid Visa refusal and rejection You should generally be aware of the causes of visa rejection to prevent refusal or rejection. You must be extremely careful to follow all rules and regulations, provide the required documentation, and keep all differences to a minimum when applying for a visa. Check out the instructions on the embassy's website. After reading the directions, submit an online application. No section or column should be empty. To give the correct information, follow the directions provided in the relevant section. Include legal documentation. Maintain sufficient funds in your account. Clearly state why you want to visit, remain, and then leave the country. Do not make grammatical or spelling errors. Prepare your application well in advance. Complete the appropriate visa application processes. Some important factors to think about are your bank account balance, travel insurance, income tax obligations, legal situation, health, and medical status. How to overcome visa refusal? By supplying further evidence in support of one's eligibility, a visa applicant can overcome a refusal. If your application is denied, you will often receive a letter outlining all of the reasons why, so you can learn from your mistakes and be more cautious the next time you apply. The same visa may be reapplied for after a predetermined amount of time. Conclusion Undoubtedly, applying for a visa is a very busy and demanding process. The least you can do to avoid having your visa application rejected is to double-check that you complete everything correctly and follow all the guidelines carefully. Even though you can reapply, the aim should be to clear the process in one go as it becomes tougher to get a visa after a rejection. However, using a firm or expert to help you with your application is a wise choice but try to remain vigilant and proactive in the process! TALK TO AN EXPERT

One of the oldest & greatest universities, Harvard University is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. An Ivy League school, Harvard University is one of the most renowned universities in the world. In addition to being old, it has a low admittance rate because of the high caliber and variety of programs it offers. Some of the most well-liked courses at Harvard are offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), which is the university's largest graduate school. The Ranking of Harvard University The acceptance rate at Harvard university Harvard's current admission rate for 2021-2022 is 4.7%. It is among the most difficult institutions in the United States, with a notably difficult enrolment process, prerequisites, and extracurriculars.  The Harvard University admissions office selects the best and most deserving individuals by evaluating each candidate in many categories such as academics, volunteerism, extracurricular activities, statement of purpose, and letter of reference. To get admitted to the university, students need to focus on their applications and distinguish themselves. The postgraduate acceptance rate at Harvard university Harvard University has about 22,000 students, 15,250 registered in professional and graduate study programs. Harvard is a stiff competitor for P.HD and other business qualifications, with an acceptance rate of 3.1%.  Every year, over 5% of overseas students enroll in postgraduate programs. Before getting into the Harvard admission rate, understanding the eligibility conditions is essential. A student must complete specific prerequisites to register for any course at Harvard. It is required that they meet their GPA criteria and take the SAT/ACT. These results reflect the prospective student's academic potential. A minimum of 80% in the 12th board test is required for a student to gain a strategic advantage in undergraduate courses. A letter of recommendation (LOR) and a statement of purpose (SOP) are also significant in the application's consideration. To prove their command of the language, international students must pass an English proficiency test, such as the standardized IELTS, TOEFL, and others. Harvard wants students to be at the top of their Class with a GPA of 4.18. Furthermore, students should take online programs - AP or IB courses - to demonstrate that school-level scholastics is simple. If the overall GPA is at or below the school average of 4.18, individuals will need to improve their SAT or ACT scores. It will help them compete effectively against other candidates with greater GPAs than you As per the last admitted class of 2026 at Harvard University, admission count details are as follows: 1. Number of Students Applicants - 61,221 Admitted - 1,984 Admitted from the waiting list – 36 2. Geographical breakdown New England - 16.6% Middle Atlantic - 22.3% South - 17.8% Midwest - 9.8% Central - 2.0% Mountain - 3.2% Pacific -13.4% Territories - 0.2% International - 14.8% 3. Popular specialization subjects The acceptance rate at Harvard in 2022 Harvard, which is already regarded as one of the most demanding colleges in the world, has become much more selective in recent years. In a typical summer semester, Harvard accepts around 5% of candidates. Because of the changing global climate and the elimination of the SAT/ACT, Harvard attracted 61,220 applications for the Class of 2026. (compared with 57,435 for the Class of 2025). The record-low acceptance rate for the Class of 2026 fell to 3.1% or 1,965 accepted students. All through history, Harvard's admittance rate has progressively declined. The admission percentage for the Class of 2001 was 12.3% in 1997. Only a decade later, in 2007, the Class of 2011 admission rate had dropped to 9%. After a decade, in 2017, the admission rate for the Class of 2021 dropped to 5.2%. Tips for your child to beat the low acceptance rate at Harvard Harvard candidates must be among the highest level of their class and have a certain GPA in order to get admitted. Students with GPAs ranging from 4.0 to 4.18 have the highest probability of acceptance. Harvard University requires a minimum SAT score of 1460, with students commonly obtaining between 1460 and 1580. A composite ACT score of at least 33 is required for admission to Harvard University. Admitted students normally score between 33 and 35. Applicants must be fluent in English and be able to communicate themselves properly. Conclusion Harvard University students have an average GRE score of 155-166 in verbal and 155-170 in quantitative. The MBA program at Harvard University is the university's flagship curriculum. To be considered, candidates must have an average GMAT score of 730. To be considered for admission to Harvard, Indian candidates must have a GMAT score of 700 or above. Harvard is looking for students who will add value to the campus community and who are unique and diverse. They seek out driven individuals who will excel in any field they choose. They want students to enthusiastically represent Harvard around the world in addition to improving it as a university. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Parenthood is a challenging experience. With growing education inflation, you must maintain adequate cash reserves to avoid burning a hole in your wallet. Selecting the best one-time investment plan for your child's future can assist in guaranteeing that they have enough money for each stage of their life.  Getting the finest kid education plan is recommended as just a one-time investment that shields children after your death while also creating enough funds to pay for their educational ambitions. The best one-time investment plan considerations Today's Indian market is swamped with new kid education plans that serve as one-time investment solutions with various features and rewards. Creating the optimal selection is to making an informed decision promptly. Below are some significant factors to consider while selecting the best one-time investment plan for the child. The benefit amount from the child investment plans should be suitable for individuals with the inconsistent financial flow. The payouts from these investment plans should be able to support their requirement. Compared to other normal policy rates, the kid plan premium is lower. This is because the insurance is purchased in cash rather than in installments. There are, however, several child education options, including making monthly premium payments. Another feature is the tax benefit, which allows you to take benefits of Section 80C in the first year for the sole premium plan vs standard plans Best investments for children 1. Invest in Equity Mutual Funds  Deposits in equity mutual funds rank high on the one-time investment plan for kids. The extended period of 10-15 years and the investing style offered are the two key reasons for this. Equity funds have historically generated around 12% to 15% annual returns. Mutual funds are generally regarded as a secure investment that allows investors to spread with little risk. However, there are times when a mutual fund is not a suitable alternative for a new entrant, particularly regarding expenses. A mutual fund plan is a financial instrument created by pooling money from several investors. Mutual fund firms engage in securities such as corporate shares, bonds, stocks, loans, and other assets through AMCs. Mutual fund businesses invest their funds in a variety of securities. This enables its investors to increase their wealth through investing. 2. Recurring deposit investments If you are searching for a low-risk investment strategy for your children's future, consider recurring deposits, as interest rates are at an all-time high. You may secure the RDs and make plans for your child's future. In India, both banks and post offices provide recurring deposits. For example, a monthly investment of Rs 1000 might yield Rs 2 lakhs over ten years. 3. PPF Investments If you are searching for a long-term investment plan, consider PPF, which allows you to lock in your assets for 15 years. A baseline of 1 lakh can be deposited every year, with an annual return rate of 8.75%. Post offices and banks may both open PPF accounts. 4. Gold Investments Gold is an excellent hedge against stocks, particularly during uncertain market conditions. Parents invest in gold through ETFs, E-Gold, and gold mutual funds. Experts advise against investing in physical gold to limit the danger connected with physical gold storage. 5. Risks & Returns from Mutual Funds The mutual fund returns may estimate the annual and absolute returns available from 1 week to a maximum of 5 years. Most mutual fund return computations forecast the scheme's performance rank within fund classes.  Mutual funds concentrate on securities, whether stock or debt, whose values change in response to market fluctuations. This makes them riskier because the fund's NAV is determined by the individual securities values in its portfolio. Great-risk mutual funds are funds with big potential and the possibility to deliver high returns. These funds, however, are very unpredictable and carry significant risks. The degree and kind of risk are determined by the investments in a mutual fund. Choosing an adequate kid plan as a one-time investment will ensure your child's financial security even after death. Timely investments must take precedence whenever it relates to their academic and financial security. Mutual funds are among the most effective investment strategies since they provide better returns and diversity. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan  TALK TO AN EXPERT

“We don’t have to be smarter than the rest. We have to be more disciplined than the rest”. Warren Buffett. In a volatile market, many investors see their portfolios as sometimes positive and sometimes negative. So, there are some investors who asked if should we book short-term profits on our investments or if should we hold them. Read on to know what you should ideally do. Why did you start SIP? First, answer yourself why you have started a SIP. With what objective you have started your investments? Generally, people save and invest their money with long-term objectives like saving for a child’s higher education, retirement, buying a house, buying a car, etc. Mostly we make investments to achieve our financial goals. The volatility in the market will always remain there, but we need to stick with our goals and investments. When should you book profits? Investments in mutual funds should be based on financial goals. If you have achieved your financial goal, then you can book profits or redeem your units to utilize the amount for that specific goal, or you can book profits when you are near your goals, and you have achieved your financial target, or if your fund is underperforming. In such scenarios, you can book profits. Majorly investments in mutual funds are for long-term financial goals. You should avoid booking short-term profits on your SIP. Additional read: What are alternate investment funds? What if the market crashes or falls? In case, if the market crashes or falls, then should either consider it as an opportunity to buy at a lower level or remain invested with your SIP. Don’t get fear out with the fall in the market. In the short-term, the funds or market may not perform, but in the long-term market has generated positive returns. Nifty 50 Performance in 6 months and 5 years’ time frame Power of Compounding Compounding is basically earning profits on capital invested and profits as well. It’s like getting interested in interest and principal amount. The longer you remain invested the better compounding will work. Let’s understand this with an example, suppose there are two-person A & B and both are planning for their child’s higher education, but A has 10 years to save and B has 20 years to save and both have invested in equity mutual funds. Let’s see the difference in their savings amount. In the above table, we can see that person A’s invested money has just got doubled but person B’s money has grown to 5x because he has more time to save for his goal. The more you remain invested, the more benefit you will get out of compounding. Conclusion The wealth is created over a long-term period, not in the short-term. Consider investing with a financial objective and stick with your investments, don’t let the market volatility impact your decision. Only redeem or switch your investment if your funds are not performing, else remain invested and let it grow. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Comparing the expense of raising a kid with the joy of doing so can be emotionally upsetting, but it is wise to be aware of and plan for such costs. The saying "bacche do hi acche" (just two kids are good) makes economic sense given the high cost of rearing a child nowadays. The government has also embraced the proverb. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha on February 7, 2020, contains a proposed amendment that will encourage the two-child policy to control population growth. Despite the uncomfortably high levels of inflation, these figures do not accurately reflect the hardship brought on by rising education costs because such costs are not included in the composition used to calculate price change over time. Here are a few of the costs and expenses incurred on children throughout their lives. The costs are based on average estimations based on current trends. Expenses at various life stages of your child 1. Up to pre-school In the first year following the child's birth, approximately Rs. 1 lakh is spent on baby care items, immunizations, and medications, all of which are fairly pricey in metropolitan and semi-urban areas. The first significant cost of a child's education appears when they become two years old in the form of a playgroup or daycare center. Depending on the amenities offered, this expenditure might be in the region of ₹50,000 to 1 lakh. Early in a child's life, spending on toys and clothing is significant because the child frequently outgrows them. 2. School expenses Up to 65% of parents spend at least 50% of their annual income on their children's schooling and extracurricular activities. Every parent wants the greatest education for their child, but growing school costs can often make that difficult. A respectable school collects annual tuition of ₹50,000 to 2 lakh. Assuming a 10% yearly education inflation rate, the 12 years from Grades 1 to 12 would result in an outflow of between ₹11 and 43 lakh. These expenses are separate from the child's tuition and extracurricular activities that they will be enrolled in. 3. Higher education The cost of a college education, which has been steadily rising, is the main expense causing concern for Indian parents. If studying engineering today costs, on average, ₹10 lakh, it will cost, on average, ₹40 lakh to 50 lakh in around 15 years. In the same way, it is reasonable to predict that a medical degree, which currently costs roughly ₹25 lakh, will exceed ₹1 crore in 15 years. Even after tax exemptions, parents can choose to finance their children's higher education with student loans, although the interest rates are still exorbitant. 4. Voluntary costs In addition to paying for education, a family may decide to upgrade their home to meet the privacy needs of their grown children. The expense of entertainment has also dramatically increased, particularly in urban areas. Birthday celebrations must be planned, gifts must be purchased, school-related cultural activities must be attended, devices must be handled, and so on. Additional read: What is the moratorium period in education loan? Financial planning and investments Financial planning is essential in light of the previous outflows to prevent parents from spending more on their kids than is necessary and from being unprepared for their upcoming retirement. There are also safety nets that need to be established, including getting enough insurance and setting up an emergency fund. Planning for their children's higher education is very important for parents. You should set aside roughly ₹13,000 every month for that purpose. O Over the next 20 years, if returns are on average 10%, you should be able to collect about ₹1 crore. Get a term insurance policy with a coverage amount of about ₹38 lakh to make sure that the ambition of pursuing higher education is not jeopardized by the premature death of the earning parent. If such an unfortunate event were to occur, the nominee may put the insurance payout of ₹38 lakh in a fixed deposit, generating an average post-tax return of 5% annually, to cover the ₹1 crore cost of higher education over 20 years. Conclusion In conclusion, careful planning and ongoing investment discipline will make sure a family is better equipped to handle all of the expenses without stress. Hence, other than the basic school fees, many expenses are required to be done while raising your child. This is not something to get scared of, rather with proper planning, it is not as difficult as it sounds. Nobody said raising a child would be easy, but with adequate help, it will be the most beautiful thing you ever do. Furthermore, if there is any confusion or concern about these financial issues, our team of financial advisors at EduFund is fully equipped to help you out and guide you wherever you need it. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

In today's age, we as Indian consumers, use Google, Microsoft, Starbucks, Netflix, and Spotify in our day-to-day lives. Some of the world's largest companies are based out of the US. These are high-growth companies listed on the US stock exchange. Why should you invest in US stocks?  Here is why you should invest in US stocks:   Exposure to global companies: By investing in US stocks, you get exposure from Tech Giants like Google and Apple to the most prominent brands like Nike, Starbucks, etc. These companies have a global presence and are known worldwide. Investing in such companies helps you expand your portfolio.  Fractional shares: Currently, the cost of one Netflix share is $224, roughly ₹18,216.95. This makes investing in US stocks very expensive if one buys whole shares. But fear not! US stock offers the concept of investing in fractional shares. In case you have ₹10,000, you can invest the whole amount across different shares fractionally instead of buying whole shares.  Portfolio diversification: Many global factors, like geo-political tensions, budgets, oil price changes, etc., have a significant impact on any country's economy and market. By having optimized diversification, your portfolio can absorb market volatility efficiently.  Currency hedging: The US Dollar has been on the rise for the past five years. By investing solely in the Indian market, you are missing out on the opportunity of a USD rise. While investing in US stocks, you are purchasing US Dollars. When these investments are held for long investment horizons, your investment value increases in terms of currency with an increase in the USD rates.  Steps to create your US Account on the EduFund App  Open the EduFund App or the EduFund website.  Click on the top left corner where your initial is mentioned.   Then select the US Account set up option. You'll be able to view the charges and pricing page, where we do not charge you anything for the US ETF account creation. Kindly go through the other charges carefully.   Click on Continue. It will ask you to fill in your personal details, attach your ID (PAN) and address proof (Aadhar), Bank details, etc.  Agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers after reading it, and attest that the information provided by you is correct.  Then click on Create Investment Account.  Once the verification process is completed, your US account will be created Steps to add funds to your US ETF account  All residents can transmit up to $250,000 per financial year (April – March) for any permissible current or capital account transaction, or a combination of both, under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).  ICICI, HDFC, IDFC, and Kotak bank account customers can complete the LRS process online by logging in and following the fund transfer instructions.  You can choose one of two alternatives when transferring funds using LRS on our platform.  Online transfer – via your net banking  Offline transfer – Visit the bank and submit the A2 form How to add funds?  Log in to the app and click on Add Money for detailed instructions to add funds from your domestic bank account to your US ETF account.  Online mode: -  Proceed to your bank's Net banking and log in with your credentials.  Go to Fund Transfer Tab and select Add a Beneficiary. Select the Remit Now option.   Add the beneficiary details (you will find this on the app itself).  Click on Continue and select Confirm to add the Beneficiary.  Complete the OTP Verification to complete the addition of the Beneficiary.  Depending on the bank, the Beneficiary takes around 30-45 mins to be added.  Once the Beneficiary is added, select the Fund Transfer tab and click on Go in Remit Now.  Then choose your account and select the Beneficiary name entered above.  Scroll down and enter the Transfer Amount in USD and other details.  Then enter the account ID (starts with 6BE) (find it in EduFund’s profile section under US Account Set up) in the Sender to Receiver’s Info.   After reading it through, check the Terms and Conditions box to agree.  Complete the OTP Verification to initiate the transfer.  The fund transfer takes around 3-4 business days to reflect under the available cash balance on the app.  7 steps to invest in US stocks   Open the EduFund app.  Select the Invest option from the icons in the horizontal bar present at the bottom.  Select US Market on the top. (On this screen, you'll see the top US Stocks and the US ETF Baskets.)  Select the stock you want to invest in and tap on buy. If the stock you want to invest in is not on the screen, click View All and use the Search bar to search for your desired stock.  You’ll be able to see the Price and Available cash balance in your US Account.  Now under this, you’ll be able to see Market Order and Limit Order.  In limit order – it'll ask you Share to buy, Limit price, Duration and Estimated amount.  The market order will ask you Share to buy and Dollar to buy (amount of dollars you want to invest).  You can click on Place order after entering the above details.  Always choose an investment instrument suitable for your portfolio and aligned with your investment goal and risk appetite. Before taking exposure to US stocks, fundamentally analyze the companies so that investments are safe. Nevertheless, consult an expert to know the right investment option for you.  You can reach out to us on EduFund Customer Support for further queries, doubts, or guidance.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

Your 20s are the time to make mistakes, take risks and throw caution to the wind. While the 20s is a time to learn from your mistakes and enter adulthood, it is also time to avoid making substantial money mistakes that may follow you later in life. Accumulating debt, living carelessly without saving or investing, and making impulse financial decisions are just some money mistakes to avoid in your 20s, no matter how tempting they seem.    Not saving or investing money  Contrary to popular belief, enjoying your 20s does not mean you have to live on the edge and party daily. Most people in their 20s make the mistake of living paycheck to paycheck. They avoid saving and investing their money for the future. Rather than saving and investing for short-term goals like buying a laptop or phone, the go-to option is to buy on EMI and pay for it in installments. Neither do they create contingency plans in case of job loss or medical emergency that can lead to significant financial distress?   Not saving and investing is a huge money mistake to avoid in your 20s. The 20s is the best time to invest money and reap the benefits of compounding. Suppose you earn Rs. 40,000 monthly salaries and decide to invest Rs. 10,000 monthly towards mutual funds (assuming a 10% interest rate for the next 20 years). You can amass nearly Rs. 77 to 76 lakhs by doing so consistently. If you keep increasing this amount as your salary increases and decide to diversify your investment, your corpus could be large enough to support your long-term plans.    Borrowing money from parents, friends, and family Another money mistake to avoid in your 20s is to borrow money from your parents, friends, or family. Try to budget your expenses and spending so that you don't have to borrow money from your family members. The 20s is the time to take charge of your life financially; relying on your friends or relatives can create rifts and make you more dependent.    The best way to avoid this mistake is to keep your expenses less than your income and actively reduce any debt!    Additional read: Money mistakes to avoid in your 30s Taking on too many EMIs and Loans   In your 20s, getting a new phone or taking a spontaneous trip abroad is tempting to shake off the week's stress. These luxuries are guilty pleasures you should enjoy when you have the money to spare; taking a loan to finance your foreign trip or buying a new phone on EMI can be problematic and a huge money mistake.    Budget your expenses, take trips without your budget, and destress through activities that do not cause you financial stress later in life. Try to be practical and save for your luxuries rather than take loans to satisfy them.    Living to the fullest    The 20s is the time to live life to the fullest! It is true, but the 20s are not the end of your life; you don't have to disturb your future financial goals or take on debt to keep up with an unrealistic lifestyle. Live your life, think about the future pragmatically, and invest cash towards your retirement. Try to be careful and responsible with your money early on so you don't have to regret it later!    Spending more than your income    Spending more than your income is a money mistake to avoid in your 20s! Most young adults make the mistake of not budgeting and overspending. This can easily be avoided by creating a budget and following it properly. Try to be conscious of where your money is going, and avoid eating out too much or ordering in. If possible, place a daily limit on your credit card to avoid the urge to overspend.    Young adults often end up overspending out of peer pressure and to fit in. Whether it's buying trendy clothes you don't need or partying every day, it's essential to embrace your limits and not follow others blindly!   Not investing in yourself  Not investing in yourself is crucial to avoiding money mistakes in your 20s. While learning to budget, save and invest money, you might forget to invest in yourself. Like the late Rajesh Jhunjhunwala said in a conference that his worst investment had been his health, you too need to find time to invest in yourself. Whether it's exercising, learning new skills, or indulging in a recreational activity. Take some time out for yourself and prioritize your physical and mental well-being to stay happy and healthy!    Live in the present but invest for the future. Make sure you make the most of your 20s and avoid money mistakes that can cost you or your family a bright future. The 20s is the time to cultivate futuristic habits like financial planning and budgeting that can change your life for the better!  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

A bull market can be caused by a variety of variables, but economic expansion is the most frequent. Businesses often make more money when the economy is strong, and stock market investors have more faith in the market. Let’s explore if a bull market is a good time to invest or not! What is a bull market? When prices are rising or are expected to rise, a market is considered to be a bull market. Although everything that is traded, including bonds, real estate, currencies, and commodities, can be described as being in a "bull market," the stock market is the one to which the term is most usually applied. Bull markets are often defined as extended periods during which a sizable portion of asset values are rising. This is because the prices of securities rise and fall almost continually during trading. Bull markets sometimes linger for several months, if not years. Is a bull market a good time to invest? In a bull market, when there is more possibility for larger returns, it is ideal to have a bigger equity allocation. Buy equities early and sell them before they reach their peak to benefit from a bull market's growing values. Growth companies often do well in bull markets, whilst value stocks are frequently a superior investment in down markets.  Your time horizon will largely determine how you invest in equities throughout bull and downturn markets. It doesn't matter if the market is now bullish or negative if you won't need the money for decades. If you are a buy-and-hold investor, you shouldn't typically change your investing strategy in reaction to the state of the market. The stock market may be negative even when other asset classes are going through bull cycles, and vice versa. If the stock market is increasing and you are concerned about price inflation, you could make a prudent choice to allocate a portion of your portfolio to gold or real estate. If the stock market is down, you can consider increasing the proportion of bonds in your portfolio or even converting some of it into cash. To benefit from bull markets that occur throughout the world, you should also consider regionally diversifying your holdings. How to invest in a bull market Following is the detailed guide to investing in a bull market. You can also download the EduFund app and create an account to start investing in a bull market. With zero charges and no hassle account opening process is from the comfort of your home. Evaluate personal goals – Making educated selections begins with evaluating your objectives. Your age and other aspects that affect your investments will be considered in a personal examination. For instance, a 30-year-old's risk-taking will differ from that of a 60-year-old. Therefore, their selection of equity will also differ. Long positions – When you take long positions with your stock, you buy it at a lower price and sell it at a higher one. The stock is bought with the expectation that its value will rise. Buy companies with strong fundamentals – Invest in businesses that have a history of expansion. Check the company's sales, profitability, and demand for the product it produces. Buy fallen stocks – The bear market before the bull run allows investors to purchase equities at a discount to their book value. In this stage, shares of firms with strong growth are available for less money. Choose various industries – When the economy is strong and people start spending again, certain industries will recover. Economic expansion is projected to benefit cyclical companies including those in the housing, automotive, technology, and industrial equipment industries. Adopt a phased approach to selling too – In the same way that investing must be done in stages, selling out of stock must also be done in stages. Indeed, even more so! The better it is when you sell a stock, the higher the price you receive. If you decide to sell a stock in stages during a bull market, you'll probably get a lot higher price. That indicates that while you might not always exit at the peak, each subsequent departure will occur at a higher price. Additionally, you don't need to stress perfectly timing your escapes! What makes stock prices increase during a bull market? Bull markets frequently coexist with a powerful, healthy, and expanding economy. Both expected future profits and a company's ability to generate cash flow have an impact on stock prices. Rising stock prices show the expectation that earnings will expand going forward, which is supported by a growing GDP, high employment, and a strong production sector. Corporation profitability benefits from both low interest rates and corporate tax rates. There are several tools to generate money in both bull and downturn markets. Choosing the finest investment for each market and utilizing them wisely are the keys to success. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT