Investing Insights

Child Education Planning: The Nuts and Bolts of it

Planning for your child’s education has never been more important, especially with rising costs. In this article, we’ll explore how you can prepare financially for your child’s higher education, accounting for inflation, student loans, and the need for a solid savings plan. Find out why early planning and strategic investing, such as SIPs in mutual funds, are key to ensuring that your child’s future educational dreams don’t become a financial burden. Start early, invest wisely, and secure your child’s future!

A finger selecting the right option on a digital screen, illustrating how to avoid the three common mistakes of an investor’s life for better financial decision-making.

The Three Mistakes of an Investor’s Life

We’ve all been there—making investment decisions we later regret. Whether it’s misunderstanding risk and reward, buying on euphoria, or selling in fear, these mistakes can derail your financial goals. In this article, FinEdge highlights the top three investment pitfalls and offers practical advice to help you make smarter, long-term decisions with your money!

A close-up of a person filling out a cheque with a pen on a wooden desk, symbolising disciplined saving and careful money management by smart savers.

The 5 things all “Smart Savers” do!

Smart savers don’t just build wealth—they do it effortlessly by following a few key habits. From getting started with small savings to maintaining discipline and automating their investments, they have a well-structured approach. If you want to secure your financial future, check if you follow these five habits of smart savers!

A hand pointing a pen at a volatile stock market chart on a monitor, illustrating how to benefit from market fluctuations using a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).

Riding the SIP Wave: How to benefit from Volatile Markets

In recent months, equity mutual funds (especially SIP’s) have seen increased inflows and a renewed interest from the retail investor community. Whereas a lot of these SIP’s have been started with the intention of continuing them for 5 to 10 years or more, the truth is that not all of them will actually successfully complete their tenure. In this brief article, we’ll summarize a few key factors to keep in mind while planning for your future goals using SIP’s. Let’s begin with our “three golden rules” of SIP investing!

Birthday cake with lit number candles “40,” representing turning forty.

The Top 9 “Money Things” to do before you’re 40

Turning 40 is a major milestone, and ensuring financial stability is key. Build a solid emergency fund, automate retirement savings, and create a financial plan with annual reviews. Eliminate high-interest debt, secure adequate insurance, and start saving for your child’s education. Own a home, master tax-saving strategies, and draft a will to safeguard your family's future.

Medical stethoscope and cash on a wooden background, symbolizing health insurance coverage and risk management for medical expenses.

Ten Important Features Of Your Health Insurance Policy

Health insurance isn’t just a safety net—it’s a necessity! From pre-existing conditions and waiting periods to claim settlement ratios and sub-limits, knowing your policy inside out can save you from unexpected financial burdens. Choose wisely and ensure your coverage meets your family’s needs!

A student loan application form, representing applying for education financing.

All about Student Loans

With education expenses in India rising at the speed of knots, it’s no wonder that the popularity of student loans are on the rise. In fact, a recent article Economic Times article^ suggests that MBA costs are expected to rise at 15.26% per annum and other undergraduate expenses 12.59% in next five years. For undergraduate engineering courses, fees typically range from Rs 5-10 lakh, while for a five-year medical course at a private college this number could be upwards of Rs 50 lakh! For post-graduate management courses such an MBA or PGPM, fees could be more than Rs 10 lakh.

EPF Versus NPS. Should You Switch?

EPF vs. NPS – which is the better retirement option? While NPS offers market-linked returns, EPF provides fixed returns with tax-free maturity benefits. The mandatory annuity purchase and taxability of NPS withdrawals tilt the balance in favor of EPF. However, for long-term flexibility and growth, Mutual Fund SIPs remain the best option for retirement planning!

CAGR - Demystified!

Understanding CAGR is crucial when evaluating your investments, especially for those with fluctuating returns like equity mutual funds or SIPs. By smoothing out annual growth rates, CAGR provides a clearer picture of your long-term investment performance. Just remember, the longer the investment period, the more accurate the CAGR becomes. Keep this in mind to make well-informed decisions about your financial future!

Home loan prepayment concept image representing the decision to pre-pay a housing loan and reduce interest.

Should you pre-pay your Home Loan?

Deciding whether to prepay your home loan or invest your lump sum? This article breaks down key considerations, from loan structure to tax benefits, helping you make an informed decision to reach financial freedom sooner.

A red calculator placed on an open ledger or account book with a pink pencil beside it, suggesting budgeting, tracking expenses, and personal finance planning.

10 “Personal Finance Commandments”

As the year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on how we can improve our financial habits. In this blog, we present the "Ten Commandments" of personal finance that will guide you towards a more secure and prosperous financial future. From controlling spending to understanding the importance of insurance and investments, these commandments are designed to help you stay disciplined, make smarter decisions, and set a solid foundation for long-term financial freedom. Follow these commandments, and you’ll be closer to achieving your financial goals in the year ahead!

Notebook labeled “Money Habits” placed beside financial documents and a calculator, representing smart personal finance practices

5 Money Habits of the “Financially Wise”!

Ever wondered how the truly “financially wise” approach their day to day personal finances? This week, FinEdge presents 5 money habits that are nearly universal to all those who are en route to financial Nirvana!