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5 mutual fund myths busted

Investing in mutual funds is beneficial for all of us. It is an unavoidable part of our financial planning. But there are many myths and misconceptions about investing in mutual funds.

Some of them are explained below:

1. It is for rich people

Many of us think that investing in the mutual fund in India is only for rich people. This concept is very delusional. There are Systematic Investment Plans where the investor can invest a minimum amount of money periodically. They do not have to pay a lump sum amount of money at a time. It is completely understandable that, for someone with a monthly income of 20,000, investing a huge amount of money in mutual funds is not practical. But one can invest 500 rupees monthly as SIP and get the same benefits. Thus, we can say, that the mutual fund is for everyone.

2. No need for a retirement plan

It is commonly thought that, when we are retired, our expenses will decrease so we do not need any financial planning. But the reality is different. When we retire, our expenses may shrink a bit, but our income drops to almost zero. We have a lot of free time; we can plan a vacation or start a new hobby. For anything, we need money at hand. Medical expenses also increase in our retirement life. So, we need to plan for our retirement and invest in mutual funds online to spend our retirement life comfortably.

3. Too early to start planning

Investing in a mutual fund in India can never be too early. The younger you start, the more returns you get. Economic planning is a lengthy process, so starting early is the best option for all of us. If we face a sudden financial crisis, we must be prepared for it. We can only survive an economic collapse if we are already an investor. Investing newly during any financial crisis is not at all helpful.

4. Profound knowledge is a must

When we invest in any mutual funds online, our fund is looked after by expert agents. They allocate our funds in those schemes where we get the maximum benefits. So the investor can rely on the mutual fund company experts. Thus, having profound knowledge about mutual fund investments is not necessary if one wants to invest. Amateurs can also invest in mutual funds in India and gain good returns.

5. One-time planning

Financial planning is not a one-time thing. One needs to plan early and repeatedly to reach high financial goals. We cannot invest in a mutual fund and expect lifetime benefits. We need to re-plan our financial investments from time to time. For example, when we are in our 20’s, owning a car can be our financial goal, but as we grow up, we set higher goals. Financial planning should be modified according to our changing demands.

Thus, with proper guidance and planning, we should invest in mutual funds and enjoy the financial benefits from time to time.

4 Advantages of Being A CFA

Clearing the CFA level 1 or even the subsequent levels can prove to be good challenges, but the benefits you would reap will make this venture quite worthwhile. All the doubts that you might have had before applying for the CFA would perish. You would surely have sleepless nights and lose the fun on your weekends to prepare for the exam. But you would soon forget these when they earn the CFA charter. You would have a pool of opportunities before you.

To earn the CFA charter, you need to pass each exam. Three levels stand between an aspiring candidate and the CFA charter. It is not possible to earn the designation without completing 48 months of work experience. Some of the advantages of being a CFA are listed below:

1. A shining CV with a more attractive pay package

A person going through the CFA exam would indeed go through excellent education. Not many people can claim to be a CFA, and it stands out in the CV. Thus, you would be more confident in an interview. With the qualification, if you work in a company that understands it worth, you would earn an attractive salary. However, you need to keep in mind that you need your work experience matters too. It is not about your theoretical knowledge, but what you can do in practice. Working hard and smart always benefits you in the long run.

2. Time and cost-effective

If you want to get into investment banking, the CFA qualification is the right choice. With proper online learning and the perks of the CFA certification, you would be equipped very well. It is very suitable for individuals who do not have the time or resources to go through the entire MBA program in top-tier universities. It is not really possible to equate or compare the two courses; the CFA charter would more benefit certain career paths. Stockbroking, portfolio management, and investment banking are definitely among those sectors.

3. Better job prospects and growth

The CFA societies and charter holders worldwide can help you access better resources that will boost your career prospects. Job opportunities are explicitly posted for charter holders. If you are part of these societies, it will boost your networking opportunities, and you can work in your dream position. Charter holders are suitable for areas like hedge funds, asset management, equity research, or fixed income. The CFA course focuses hugely on portfolio and financial management, among other investment scenarios. The firms value the knowledge base and offer preference to charter holders compared to other candidates.\

4. Credibility and respect from the industry

It is known that the CFA institute is quite prestigious and the qualification is valued in the finance industry. People understand that the intense process of the exams prepares them well. Thus, when the charter holders enter the institute, the path before them becomes clearer.

Qualifying the CFA proves beneficial in more than one way. In addition to these, you would find plenty of reasons to become a CFA.

Things to Consider Before Taking a Home Loan

In 2020, the home loan industry is expected to grow actively, given the low mortgage rates. Affordable government schemes, like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, are expected to drive the market in the coming years. The best home loan companies ensure flexible payment options and benefits that make the process less tedious. In fact, you do not have to liquidate your savings kept aside to achieve life goals to buy a home.

But before you apply for a loan, consider these crucial factors. They will keep you from facing unpleasant surprises later.

1. Types of Home Loans

Under the traditional home loan, the various types are home improvement loan, Insta top up loan, plot loan and commercial loan. The loan for plot can be taken if you are looking to buy a piece of land, even if you do not have the required income proof. Such a plot loan for salaried people is disbursed within 72 hours, so that you get started with your dream house construction at the earliest. Along with plot loan online, check for the others and pick according to your requirements.

2. Documentation

Whether applying for a home loan or a plot loan online, consider the document list beforehand. You will require a fully filled and signed application form, and residence and identity proof in the form of Adhaar Card or Voter ID Card. Additionally, three months’ bank statements, latest Form 16 and 2 months’ salary slips, 2 income tax returns, 2 years’ P&L accounts and B/S schedules are mandatory. The lender can quickly assess your eligibility and work towards disbursement.

3. Interest Rates

The interest rates vary from bank to bank and determine the EMI you pay. You can pick EMIs of a fixed amount or the SURF option, where the payment will increase with your income. The second option can reduce the overall tenure, since the monthly payment amounts will increase over time. The best companies offer lower interest rates to women, even if they do not have an income source. Check for Balance Transfer Facility, in case you wish to shift to a more economical bank at a later point.

4. Your Eligibility

Before applying for a home loan, you need to qualify for it. Check the age limits of the primary applicant and the co-applicant. If your property has more than one owner, it is necessary for both to apply. This way, both can benefit for the investment. For a better rate, get in touch with your bank officials. They will help you with the benefits of different offers and let you pick the best one for yourself.

5. Loan Repayment Tenure

Check for banks that offer a loan tenure of up to 25 years. For salaried people, it can be extended up to 60 years of age and for the self-employed, it can be extended up to 70 years of age. The repayment period is calculated by experts on the basis of age, income and prevailing EMIs.

Look for additional charges, foreclosure norms and the processing fee. You can also use the eligibility calculator to check the amount you qualify for. Additionally, consider an emergency fund to stay true to your EMI commitments.

Travel Tips to Visit Mumbai During the Monsoons

Bollywood has convinced us that there is hardly anything more romantic than “Mumbai ki Baarish.” Yes, it is admirable at times, but comes with its own set of hindrances as well. Chasing an inverted umbrella or being stuck on water-logged roads is the reality Mumbaikars deal with each monsoon. Every July, rains lash the city, cancelling trains and buses and claiming lives of at least a handful of street dwellers.

Just like Delhiites face extreme temperature during the summer and winter, Mumbai sees its extreme during monsoon. If you are taking a Delhi to Mumbai flight during the rainy season, do follow these dos and don’ts for a stress-free trip.

1. Don’t Walk Through Water

To cover short distances, you might want to wade through the floodwaters. It is a seemingly quick and easy option to reach your destination, rather than waiting inside the cab in a never-ending traffic jam. However, this is not a great idea, since a number of leptospirosis cases come up during this time. You might also get injured, in case there are gutters and debris. But if it is unavoidable, make sure to wear covered rubber shoes and take careful steps.

2. Avoid the Beaches

After deboarding your Delhi to Mumbai flights, the first thing you’d wish is to visit Marine Drive or Juhu Beach. But, this is not advisable during monsoons. The areas are extremely dangerous because if the rain intensifies, there are chances of the high tide sweeping into the roads. The roads along the coasts become water logged and slippery and might result in a bad fall.

3. Protect Your Wallet

Before boarding your flights between Delhi to Mumbai, ensure stashing enough cash. This is because due to heavy rainfall, ATMs might stop working. Next, keep ample waterproof folders to carry the money or the wallet safely while on the roads. This will keep the notes from getting wet and save you from unnecessary trouble.

4. Don’t Rely on Local Trains

To get around the city, don’t wait for the Mumbai locals. They are one of the first services to stop during heavy showers. The railway tracks of the low-lying stations get submerged, making it difficult to even catch the train. There could be loose wires, exposed electric lines and broken power polls, which are extremely dangerous when in contact with water.

5. Carry the Essentials

Carry a torch, water bottles, hand towels, power bank, dry food, plastic pouches and extra set of shoes every time you step out. A small first-aid kit with band-aids and cold and flu/headache medicines is also recommended. These will make sure you are comfortable even if you are stuck in traffic or at a particular place for long hours.

6. Seek Local Help

In case you are lost, fully drenched and sick or short of money, make sure to ask the local police to help you. There are ample helpline numbers too that ensure safety for locals and tourists alike.

Mumbai does come alive during the monsoon season. When it is drizzling outside, do take a walk down Bandra Bandstand or sip cutting chai at a local café. These are little ways you can make the most of your Mumbai trip before you need to catch your flights from Mumbai to Delhi.

Goans and Pao Go Hand in Hand: Here’s What to Know

Way back in the 15^th century, the Portuguese added Toddy to dough and the Goan Pao was born. Today, the locals simply cannot imagine their breakfast without fresh pao, brought by the Poders. It has several variations now, like Unne, Katro and Poyi, each with its own distinguishable characteristics. For centuries now, Goans have been relishing these breads with patal bhaji, which is the origin of the famous Bombay Pav Bhaji.

Goa is world famous for tropical beaches, 17^th century churches, mouth-watering coastal dishes, thrilling water sports and, of course, the craziest parties. But very few are aware of the revolution that pao brought into Goan cuisine.

Goa’s Love Affair with Pao

The deep-seated love for the bread has earned Mumbai0based Goans several tiles, like Macapao or simply pao. They mostly relish this soft and fluffy delicacy with spicy chicken or vegetable curry. Bakeries today hardly use toddy, because it is quite expensive and authentic ones are rarely available. Instead, yeast is used, which renders a delicious taste and a mind-blowing fermented aroma. The fine flavor of bran is also felt quite distinctly, which reminds one of the sand, sea and summer in Goa.

Goans are almost obsessed with poi or pao and savor it with eggs, leftover curries or simply with a dollop of butter. It is a nostalgic dish, which brings back memories of the old village life for the older generations.

Goan Pao – What is it Exactly?

While the Portuguese had their own style of baking, locals had a strong influence on this unique bread of Goa. Traditional bakers still use coal-fired ovens to render a prominent smoky aroma and delicious flavor. Also, moving beyond the authentic taste, they use yeast to make the breads more cost effective.

These are usually soft textured buns, with a golden brownish crust. They are often stuffed with meat or veggies or are savored with gravies and curries. The other types of pao, such as Godd Poyi, is made from sweet elements, making it a scrumptious breakfast or supper choice. The Kankonn has a crunchy exterior and tastes best with evening tea. The last one is Poyi, which is chewy and can be paired with mushroom or chicken soup.

Future of the Traditional Pao

Over time, the younger generations have been losing interest in the Goan pao, while burgers and pizzas are taking over rapidly. This has led to the shutting down of quite a few family-run bakeries. In fact, the government has been of no help in sustaining the local bakers.

It is important to take care of such heritage foods, so that they continue to uphold the culture of a region. While in Goa, do make sure to visit the small shops and taste these delicious, old-school breads. They will surely not disappoint the foodie in you.

What Businesses Can Do to Market Themselves Amid the Coronavirus Crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on businesses worldwide. The lockdown, restrictions, need for social distancing, and labour problems, all have been hard for the corporate world. The crisis has been particularly hard for small and medium-sized businesses. In the next six months, approximately 61% of small & medium enterprises, and start-ups will be looking at scaling their business down. This is according to a survey by LocalCircles. The survey also found that around 13% of SMEs and start-ups were thinking of shutting down their business altogether.

In such a precarious time, having the right marketing strategy is extremely important. Plus, the marketing cannot be similar to the one that was in the pre-COVID days. So, here are some of the things to keep in mind when marketing amidst the coronavirus crisis.

1. Stay Connected with Customers

People are spending more time than ever on social media during the coronavirus crisis. In fact, during the first week of lockdown, Indians, on average, spent 280 minutes on social media a day, according to Hammerkopf Consumer Survey. This was around 87% more than usual! And this makes it one of the best means of communication. Even if they are unable to make use of your services currently, due to the restrictions, your brand will stay in their mind. And once the restrictions are lifted, chances are your business would increase. For this, try to share engaging content on your social media profiles.

And if you are a bit short of funds, take advantage of your business current account. One might think what are the current account benefits that can help you in a cash crunch. Well, current accounts also provide overdraft facilities, which allow you to withdraw more money than you have in your account.

2. Try to Help People in Crisis

One of the best marketing strategies during times of crisis is to create goodwill. People would remember for you for long for the good things your business has done to help the community. For instance, in New Zealand, many distilleries and breweries altered some of the production lines and started making alcohol-based hand sanitizers instead of whiskey.

And if you don’t have a distillery, there are plenty of other things you can do. You can choose to participate in some volunteer activities and charitable work. This could include feeding the needy or distributing face masks or hand sanitizers. You can publicize your activities on social media, videos, native ads, and blogs.

3. Try to Fit Your Products in the Current Scenario

If you are selling a hand sanitizer or face mask, then the situation is great for you. But what about 99% of the businesses who do not sell sanitizers? For them, a bit of creativity is needed to create a connection between their product and the customer. For instance, if you are an e-commerce company, you could provide the facility to try and buy for the time being. This takes advantage of the fact that people are avoiding going to malls and markets.

Lastly, it is vital to stay calm and not make knee-jerk decisions. At times it might look like marketing is not that important. Instead, marketing is more important than ever now. And if you are short on funds, then there are always the benefits of business banking solutions, such as current accounts and loans available.

Read this before you opt for IVF at a treatment centre in Delhi

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the first thing that might come you your mind if you’ve lost hope of conceiving naturally. Admittedly, deciding to go for treatment at an IVF centre in Delhi is both frightening and exciting.

To help you in your decisions, here’s some information you should check out before opting for IVF.

The need for IVF

Before venturing for an IVF, it is important to determine whether you truly need it. There are some situations where an IVF is clearly needed and few other conditions where it may not be absolutely necessary.

Not sure you require IVF? Go for a professional opinion at an IVF centre in Delhi.

Choosing the right centre

Selecting the right IVF centre in Delhi is an important step in the journey to parenthood. While researching your options, ensure to follow the tips mentioned below:

Check how your queries are addressed: When considering an IVF centre, try to get a sense of the organisation and doctor before finalising anything. See how the team handles your queries and concerns.

Check how procedures are explained: It’s always a good idea to know the treatment and technology used to handle your case. This will help you assess whether the hospital at which you will be undergoing treatment is well-equipped to provide the care you need.

Check their approaches towards fertility and pregnancy: When you conceive via IVF, you want to make sure you’re in safe hands. This is only possible when you’re in the care of an experienced team who can guide you through your pregnancy and do what’s best for you and your baby.

Process of IVF

IVF is a process involving the fertilisation of an egg with the sperm outside the body. The process involves stimulating the ovary to grow follicles which contain the egg, monitoring this growth, collecting these eggs upon maturation via a small procedure, allowing sperm to fertilise the eggs in a laboratory, growing the fertilised egg in the laboratory and transferring it back to the womb after 3 to 5 days. Together, it is called in vitro as the fertilisation occurs outside the body.

What are the Chances of Getting Pregnant with IVF?

Different factors determine the success of an IVF procedure, such as:

Age – Women under the age of 35 have a higher success rate when compared to women above the age of 40 years

Previous pregnancy – If you have conceived before with the same partner, the chances of success with IVF is higher

Type of fertility issue – The type of infertility issue, along with the ovulation frequency, duration of the problem, whether one partner or both have infertility, can also affect the success rate.

Lifestyle – The lifestyle that the couple leads directly impacts their stress levels, and could determine the success rate of IVF.

If you are considering an IVF, consult a doctor at an IVF centre in Delhi and get all your doubts cleared today.

4 Financial planning habits you should have

Most of us often choose an occasion of New Year or other prime time to reset our habits. But the recent Corona time has forced us all to rethink our financial habits. The good news is there is no bad time to start practicing healthy financial habits.

And by instilling these 4 financial planning habits you can eventually achieve financial goals.

1. Set financial goals

Setting financial goals is the first and most important step to achieve financial success. Financial goals can be big or small, event-oriented like your child’s high education or time-bound like investing for 10 years. What’s more important is forming this habit of setting goals the sooner you can. Also, by having both short-term and long-term financial goals you’ll stay motivated and focused on continuing your investment through SIP to work towards your financial future.

2. Form a budget

Keeping track of your income and expenses is another important habit you must instill. Having this vital financial information in hand will help you cut back on unnecessary expenses and saving you from debts and poor credit. While you will find various ways to form your monthly budget, only choose the one that makes sense for you and your lifestyle.

The easiest way to make a monthly budget is to track how much you spend on ‘needs’ like grocery and ‘wants’ such as travel and lifestyle shopping.

3. Build an emergency fund

An emergency fund is a critical safety net to make sure you don’t dip into your regular expenses in case of an emergency. Having enough emergency funds reduces your chance of taking a loan or debt to cover emergency expenses.

Financial experts suggest setting up an emergency fund that covers three to six months of your living expenses. Making a regular SIP investment is a great way to start accumulating your emergency fund.

4. Pay off credit cards in full

If you are still following the myth that carrying the balance is good, it’s time to act against it. To maintain your credit score try to pay off credit card bill in full. If you can’t do so, at least make sure you pay off at least a minimum amount or keep the expenses under 30% utilization. Doing so will help you stay away from taking more debt on a higher interest rate every month. Also, if your credit score gets too bad you can face problems while approving car or home loans in the future. You will find tons of financial habits that you can start adopting. But these four financial habits lead you to become an investor by tracking your expenses and saving more to invest in the right plans for your financial future. Whatever habit you may follow, having healthy financial habits as soon as you can is more important. Your financial future will only thank you!

Infectious Diseases: Causes, effects, and treatment

Infectious diseases are the health disorders caused by infection-causing agents using the human body for surviving, reproducing and colonizing. Since these pathogens affect the body at different levels, it is essential that a pregnant woman understands the causes, symptoms and treatment of these diseases and takes care of her health by regularly visiting the best gynaecologist at a multispecialty hospital in Hyderabad.

Let’s dive deeper into understanding infectious diseases.

Types of infectious diseases

The most commonly known agents causing infections are fungi, bacteria, protozoa, viruses, parasites, and prions. Infectious diseases can be classified on the basis of these agents.

VIRAL INFECTIONS – Viruses enter the host body and release their genetic material into the host body’s cells, taking control of the cells’ internal machinery. Viruses multiply by making the cells replicate. Eventually, the healthy cells will be destroyed by the viruses, with the virus continuously growing inside the body.

Commonly occurring viral infections:

Common cold – caused by the rhinovirus, adenovirus and coronavirus
Warts and skin infections – caused by the human papillomaviruses (HPV) and simplex virus (HSV)
Encephalitis and meningitis – caused by enteroviruses and the herpes viruses
Gastroenteritis – caused by the novavirus

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is also an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS – A small percentage of bacteria cause diseases in human beings. Unlike viruses, bacteria survive on their own, even in extreme environmental conditions like severe cold or heat.

Some of the commonly known bacterial infections include:

Tuberculosis
Pneumonia
bacterial meningitis
skin infections
upper respiratory tract infection
otitis media
food poisoning
Gastritis
eye infections
urinary tract infections
Sinusitis
sexually transmitted diseases

FUNGAL INFECTION – A fungus is a multi-cellular parasite which decomposes and absorbs organic matter with the help of an enzyme. Usually, fungal infections occur in the upper layer of the skin, but some fungus can also pass on to the deeper skin layers.

Some common fungal infections include:

ringworm
Athlete’s foot
valley fever, or Coccidioidomycosis,
certain eye infections
rash on skin

PRIONS – A prion is a small proteinaceous agent which causes infectious disease. Prions can affect the brain and other various parts of the nervous system.

Other than the above-mentioned infection types, there are other pathogens also that may infect the body.

Symptoms of infectious diseases

Every type of infectious disease comes with one or more significant symptoms. The general symptoms of common infectious diseases are as follows:

Fatigue
Body ache and pain
Cough
Fever
Diarrhoea
Headaches

Treatment of infectious diseases

Knowing what type of germ is causing the illness is how a doctor at any hospital in Hyderabad approaches the treatment of the infectious disease.

ANTIBIOTICS – Antibiotics are usually prescribed by doctors at multispecialty hospitals in Hyderabad for bacterial infections as they do not affect illnesses caused by viruses

ANTIVIRALS – Drugs can help kill some, but not all viruses. Some examples include the viruses that cause:

HIV/AIDS
Herpes
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Influenza

ANTIFUNGALS – Topical antifungal medications are used to treat nail or skin infections.

ANTI-PARASITICS – Some diseases are caused by tiny parasites, like Malaria. Certain drugs can be used to treat the disease.

Infectious diseases can be managed and prevented easily with basic hygiene. Remember – timely diagnosis of infectious diseases at a hospital in Hyderabad is very important for appropriate treatment to get the best results.

Term insurance & ULIP: What’s in it for you?

The thing about an insurance products is that, each of them come with their own pros and cons. And hence, it becomes increasingly difficult to pick the one that suits you the most. A simple product as term insurance has folds to compare with the other existing modern investment instruments such as ULIPs. If you are a beginner in the investments market this can confuse you. But, fret not, read this article for more clarity.

We will take a look at then various advantages of both – term insurance and ULIP. At the end of the article you can decide which one is for you.

But, before we head to the advantages, here’s a brief about these two investments.

What is Term Insurance?

Term insurance is a life cover for a specific period of time. With this insurance, you have the flexibility to choose this cover from anywhere between 5 years to your entire life. As this insurance plan is plain, their premiums are highly affordable. The only drawback of this insurance is that, if you stop paying the premiums, your policy will be terminated too. Additionally, this insurance covers only one risk – death.

What are ULIPs?

Unit Linked Insurance Plans aka ULIPs, offer you life cover along with an investment avenue. Your investment in ULIPs is divided into two parts. One part of the premium is invested in mortality charges that offer you insurance while the other part is invested in various investment options such as bonds, debts, equities, or a hybrid fund. This makes your investment less volatile to the changing market trends. At the time of payouts, you will receive the sum assured and/or the fund value of the unit-linked investments.

The advantages of term insurance and ULIP:

The debate of term insurance vs ULIP has been long-going, with the scale weight more towards term insurance and ULIP in different situations. However, the fact remains that both insurances offer you a plethora of unique benefits. Here are some of them:

Advantage	Term Plan	ULIP
Affordability	When it comes to premiums, term plans have some of the most affordable ones in the market.	Unlike term insurance, ULIP comes with tons of charges. Hence, the premiums tend to be a higher than term insurance.
Financial Security	Term insurance offers you the option of nominating any one of your loved ones. This way the sum assured will be passed on to your nominee in case an unfortunate event happens with you.	ULIP too allows you to nominate a family member and routes the sum assured to them, should something bad happen to you.
Tax Benefits	Term insurance comes with tac benefits. You can claim them Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act for life insurance premiums up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum. Section 10 (10D) fully exempts taxes for the death benefit received by beneficiaries.	All ULIP payouts received are exempt under section 10D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Plus, you can also claim tax rebates for the payable premiums under section 80C.
Investment Flexibility	One of the drawbacks is term insurance does not allow you to invest money for the future. Plus, there is no payout if you outlive the policy.	ULIP is a diverse investment and allows you to invest in options such as funds, debts, and equities. You can pick any of them depending on your risk appetite. It also offers you the flexibility to switch from one fund to another that offers you more returns.

Which one is for you?

The truth is, both policies tend to serve different purposes; hence, you need to weight which policy offers you more benefits. Our suggestion would be adding both the insurances to your portfolio for a financial future. Both – term insurance and ULIPs also help you build a substantial financial corpus for your retirement. Since both offer you to keep a nominee, you can rest assured that your money will be safe and will help your loved ones after you.