8 Best Saving Plans for Child in India | One of our main priorities as parents is ensuring the future of our kids. In India, a number of investment and savings plans are created especially to assist parents in securing a secure financial future for their kids. In addition to providing good returns, these plans also offer tax advantages and flexibility.
Best Saving Plans for Child in India
In this post, we’ll examine the top savings strategies for kids in India that can assist parents in making prudent investments and realizing their kids’ aspirations.
Importance of Investing for Your Child’s Future
To ensure a child’s financial security and support their educational, professional, and personal ambitions, it is essential to make investments in their future. The ability of compounding to grow early investments can help them expand greatly over time.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Child-Saving Plans
Parents should think about the kid’s age, investment horizon, risk tolerance, anticipated returns, and tax consequences before choosing a child savings plan. Long-term financial objectives can be attained with the aid of a well-planned, diversified portfolio.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) for Child Savings
What is PPF?
A safe and secure investment choice for child savings is the Public Provident Fund (PPF), a government-sponsored savings program.
Benefits and Tax Exemptions
With donations deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, PPF offers enticing tax benefits. Both the interest received and the maturity sum is tax-free.
Lock-in Period and Maturity
The PPF account matures after its 15-year lock-in term, which is a requirement. Once the sixth financial year has passed, partial withdrawals are permitted.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Introduction to SSY
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed savings program created especially for girls.
Eligibility and Account Opening
An SSY account can be opened by parents or guardians for a girl under the age of ten. The account matures once 21 years have passed since the account’s opening or, if a girl kid gets married first, upon that event.
Investment Limits and Tax Benefits
Investments in SSY are tax-deductible under Section 80C, and the program offers an attractive interest rate.
Unit Linked Investment Plan (ULIP)
How ULIPs Work for Child Savings
Unit-Linked Investment Plans (ULIPs) offer both safety and growth opportunities by combining investment and insurance components.
Flexibility and Investment Options
ULIPs give parents the freedom to select investment options, enabling them to invest in accordance with their level of risk tolerance and financial objectives.
Risks and Returns
Although ULIPs include market risks, they have the potential to provide larger returns in the long run.
Education Savings Account (ESA)
What is an ESA?
The Education Savings Account (ESA) is a type of investment account created especially for the purpose of saving money for a child’s college costs.
Tax Benefits and Withdrawal Rules
Tax deductions for contributions to an ESA are not permitted, but the earnings grow tax-free. When withdrawals are utilized for eligible educational costs, they are tax-free.
Choosing the Right ESA
Parents should carefully analyze the many ESA alternatives and choose the one that best suits their financial goals and their child’s educational needs.
Fixed Deposits (FDs) for Child’s Future
FDs’ Advantages for child savings
For conservative investors looking for steady returns, fixed deposits (FDs) are low-risk investing options.
Interest Rates and Tenure
Fixed-rate FDs have terms that can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Premature Withdrawal and Taxation
Premature withdrawals are subject to fines, and interest is taxed according to the investor’s income tax bracket.
Fixed Deposit vs Recurring Deposit
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIP as a Prime Child Savings Alternative
Investors can establish a disciplined saving habit by making regular contributions of a set amount under a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).
Rupee Cost Averaging and Compounding
Rupee-cost averaging helps SIPs because it enables investors to purchase more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high. Compounding also aids in accumulating money.
SIPs vs. Lump Sum Investments
SIPs are a better choice since they lessen the long-term effects of market volatility, making them ideal for child savings.
Child Insurance Plans
Why Choose Child Insurance Plans?
Plans for kid insurance offer the child financial security in the event of any bad circumstances, ensuring the security of their future.
Types of Child Insurance Plans
Term plans, endowment plans, and unit-linked plans are just a few of the several types of child insurance available.
Premiums and Benefits
Before selecting a child insurance plan, parents should consider the costs, advantages, and extent of coverage.
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Overview of NSC
A savings vehicle backed by the government that provides secure and fixed returns is the National Savings Certificate (NSC).
Benefits and Features
NSC offers enticing interest rates and has a 5-year lock-in period.
Tax Implications and Withdrawal
Although investments in NSC are qualified for a deduction under Section 80C, the interest earned on them is taxable.
Conclusion
Parents need to take full responsibility for investing in their children’s futures. The top savings programs for kids in India provide a variety of investment choices with different risk and return profiles.
Parents can prevent financial limitations from impeding their children’s hopes and aspirations by combining the correct kid savings schemes and getting started early. To create a strong and secure financial future for our children, it is essential to evaluate each plan’s characteristics, advantages, and tax implications.
FAQs
What age is best to begin making investments for a child’s future?
To profit from compounding and long-term growth, it is advised to begin investing as soon as feasible.
Can I register a PPF and SSY account for my kid at the same time?
Yes, parents can set up SSY and PPF accounts for their kids, but contributions are limited by the corresponding plans.
Are ULIPs appropriate for making quick child savings?
Due to their market-linked structure, ULIPs are more suitable for long-term objectives.
Can I use an ESA withdrawal for non-educational expenses?
Yes, taxes and penalties may apply if an ESA is withdrawn for purposes other than educational expenditures.
What are the benefits of rupee-cost averaging for SIP investments?
By lowering the average cost of the units over time, rupee-cost averaging serves to lessen the effects of market swings.