Planning For Your Child's Future? Explore SSY, NPS Vatsalya, MFs, PPF, And Bank FDs
Parents naturally want to secure their children's future, and making wise investment choices can help build long-term financial stability
Investment Plans For Children: Parents naturally want to ensure a secure future for their children. Making informed investment choices can be crucial in achieving long-term financial stability and growth. While financial planning can seem daunting, a systematic and disciplined approach can lead to significant wealth accumulation.
India offers various investment schemes designed to provide both security and growth. Let's explore some of the most effective options:
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
SSY is a government-backed savings scheme focused on the financial security of girl children. Parents or legal guardians can open an account for a girl child below 10 years. The account matures after 21 years or upon the girl's marriage after turning 18. As of 2025, the interest rate stands at 8.2%, compounded annually. Deposits range from ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh annually, with tax benefits under Section 80C.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The PPF is a long-term government-backed investment option offering a current interest rate of 7.1% (revised quarterly). The interest earned is tax-free, and contributions qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C. With a 15-year lock-in period, PPF is ideal for long-term goals like funding higher education.
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
NSC is a fixed-income investment option with a five-year maturity period. It offers competitive interest rates (revised periodically) and tax benefits under Section 80C. The interest earned is reinvested, making NSCs a safe choice for accumulating funds for a child's education.
ULIPs combine insurance and investment. Part of the premium goes toward life insurance, while the rest is invested in equity or debt instruments. ULIPs have a five-year lock-in and offer potential for higher returns, depending on market performance. They provide tax benefits under Section 80C, but it's important to review associated charges and risks before investing.
Mutual Fund SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow regular investments in mutual funds, promoting financial discipline and harnessing the power of compounding over time.
Fixed Deposits (FDs)
Bank FDs remain a popular choice for conservative investors due to their safety and assured returns. While interest rates are usually lower than market-linked options, special FDs for children can help fund educational expenses and other needs.
Before choosing an investment, evaluate the risk, return potential, and lock-in period of each option. Diversifying across different schemes can also help reduce risk and maximize returns, ensuring a secure financial future for your child.
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Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Nippon Paint launches n-Shield PPF in India, eyes car surface care leadership
For over 140 years, Nippon Paint has built its reputation on protecting surfaces through coatings. Now, in a calculated extension of that legacy, the Japanese major is taking the leap from paint protection to paint protection film. Its newly launched brand, n-Shield, marks a strategic and ambitious foray into the growing world of automotive surface care. At a packed event in New Delhi, the message from the company's top brass was clear: this is not just a product launch — it's the beginning of an entirely new business vertical. Nippon Paint has launched its n-SHIELD paint protection film (PPF) brand in India, aiming to formalise the country's fragmented vehicle surface care market. With India as the global hub, n-Shield offers films, coatings, and detailing products backed by warranties and trained applicators. The move comes at a time when India's market for Paint Protection Films (PPF) is still underpenetrated, fragmented, and dominated by unorganised players. Today, less than 2–3 per cent of new vehicles in India opt for PPF, compared to 20 per cent and rising in mature markets like China and the U.S. Most of what is available to Indian consumers comes from low-cost Chinese imports, with no warranty backing, uneven product quality, and application inconsistencies, the company noted. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING VinFast VF e34 41.9 kWh 41.9 kWh 318 km 318 km ₹ 25 - 30 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Hyundai Stargazer 1493 cc 1493 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Tata Altroz Racer 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 9.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING MG Baojun 510 1998 cc 1998 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 11 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 3.54 Cr Compare View Offers Lamborghini Huracan STO 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 4.99 Cr Compare View Offers Nippon Paint wants to change that — and in doing so, institutionalise a segment that has remained informal and niche for far too long. 'Paints were always about protection and aesthetics. Now, we can protect paint itself — and that's where films come in," said Sharad Malhotra, President, Nippon Paint India Automotive Division. n-Shield is the outcome of four years of R&D, carried out across Japan, China, and India, with its India launch following an international debut in Thailand. From its new global business unit in Manesar, the company is placing India at the heart of this transformation — not just as a consumer base, but as a hub for product development, training, distribution, and future exports. Why now? India's moment in the PPF evolution The company's timing isn't coincidental. India's car market is maturing. Vehicle ownership is stretching beyond five years, buyers are more resale-conscious, and aesthetics now carry weight in both urban and semi-urban pockets. At the same time, the current PPF value chain is heavily fragmented — dominated by unbranded, inconsistent products, installed by poorly trained applicators. 'There's interest but no institution," said Rakesh Handoo, Director – Marketing & Surface Care. 'This is where Nippon brings structure, trust, and a brand promise." Also Read : Ceramic coating vs PPF: Which paint protection to choose for your car While countries like China are seeing high double-digit PPF penetration, India is just beginning to build awareness. But Nippon Paint isn't waiting for the market to mature. It wants to shape it — by creating not just a product line, but an entire surface care ecosystem. More than just a film: Inside the n-Shield portfolio At the core of n-Shield lies a portfolio that goes well beyond the conventional definition of paint protection. Developed with India's diverse climate and challenging road conditions in mind, the offering includes paint protection films in a variety of finishes — gloss, matte, coloured, and even custom design variants. These are aimed not just at shielding vehicle surfaces, but also offering a level of personalisation that reflects the growing sophistication of Indian car buyers. The range is complemented by headlamp protection films, designed to combat heat-related deterioration and the yellowing often caused by prolonged UV exposure — a recurring issue in India's high-radiation zones. In addition, there are dedicated films for sunroofs and windshields, intended to reduce chipping and retain visual clarity in regions where dust and gravel are part of everyday driving conditions. What rounds out the offering is a suite of ceramic coatings and detailing products — from shampoos and waxes to quick-detailing sprays — clearly aimed at customers who view vehicle upkeep as an extension of personal care. This is all supported by 5-, 7-, and 10-year warranty options, backed by a QR code-linked digital e-warranty system. This is a notable departure from the largely informal structure that governs the current PPF segment in India, where documentation and accountability have often been afterthoughts rather than standard practice. Features that aim to set a new benchmark What sets n-Shield apart in an increasingly crowded and loosely organised market is the depth of technical intent behind its development. Unlike many imported films that are simply rebadged and redistributed, n-Shield has been engineered by a company that knows coatings inside out. This understanding of surface chemistry, durability and weathering gives Nippon Paint an inherent advantage — resulting in films that combine hydrophobic behaviour, self-healing properties, and resistance to UV degradation, all tailored for India's uniquely harsh driving and climate conditions. Just as critical as product quality is application — an area where the PPF space in India continues to fall short. Recognizing this, Nippon Paint is creating a branded chain of n-Shield Studios that will deliver high quality and service on a consistent basis by geographies. These franchise outlets will be backed by specialized training academies where applicators learn the subtleties of film handling, cutting accuracy and bonding — abilities that have a direct impact on performance and satisfaction. The company says that paints were always about protection and aesthetics. Now, we can protect paint itself — and that's where films come in. (L-R) Rakesh Handoo, Director – Marketing & Surface Care and Sharad Malhotra, President, Nippon Paint India Automotive Division (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) The company has already roped in 40 distributors, with plans to reach 100 cities by the end of 2024. This is not an opportunistic rollout. It reflects a clear intent to create an ecosystem where standardisation, warranty-backed assurance, and consumer trust are non-negotiables. For Nippon Paint, the ambition is not just to sell protective films — it is to build a credible and scalable category around them. Market positioning: Mainstream premium with structured value In a market where low-end Chinese films compete on price and international brands on aspiration, n-Shield aims to build a 'mainstream premium' identity. Full-body wraps will cost between ₹65,000 and ₹1.2 lakh, depending on the grade — affordable for premium hatchbacks and sedans, but backed by a brand name, service standard, and warranty. 'We are not here to be the cheapest. We're here to be trusted," said Handoo. He added, 'This is not just for luxury cars. This is for anyone who cares about how their car looks five years later." Interestingly, the company is not rushing into e-commerce or direct-to-consumer sales. Instead, it's building application-led touchpoints that offer both awareness and conversion — a model it believes is more sustainable in the long run. Also Read : Researchers develop car coating that can self-heal scratches in sunlight Cracking the PPF market: Organising what's been informal India's PPF space today mirrors what the car paint segment looked like two decades ago — fragmented, inconsistent, and devoid of brand equity. Nippon Paint sees a repeat opportunity — to organise, educate, and lead. The plan is to first capture aftermarket mindshare, and then move upstream into OEM partnerships. Work is already underway with select carmakers to co-develop films that can be applied at the dealer or even factory level — beginning with headlamp and roof films that demand higher adhesive stability and precision. 'OEMs are warming up slowly. They see the value but want reliable partners. That's what we intend to be," Malhotra explained. India as the global hub: Not just a market, but a mandate India is more than just a testing ground. It is now the global headquarters for Nippon's surface care business unit — responsible for product development, exports, and eventually, film manufacturing. Exports of aftermarket paints from India have already reached over 20 countries, and the same roadmap is being drawn for n-Shield. 'We're not exporting leftovers. We're exporting what we've developed in India, for the world," Handoo pointed out. Manufacturing of PPF films in India is also on the cards, though currently the films are being sourced from Japan. Localisation will depend on demand volumes and infrastructure viability. From paint provider to surface solutions partner Through n-Shield, Nippon Paint is recasting its identity in India's mobility ecosystem. No longer just a paint supplier to OEMs, it now wants to own a visible, high-trust space in the lives of vehicle owners. This is not about chasing volume alone. It's about building a repeatable, scalable, and trusted surface protection business — from the workshop floor to the customer's driveway. 'This is not a product extension. This is a new business," Malhotra summed up. 'And we're here to build it for the long term." Rethinking paint in an era of extended ownership While the spotlight was on paint protection films, Nippon Paint's core strength remains in coatings, and the company is equally focused on how automotive paint itself is evolving in the Indian context. As car ownership cycles get longer and consumers increasingly seek a 'new car feel" well into their vehicle's lifecycle, paint durability, colour consistency, and repainting quality are becoming key differentiators in the aftermarket. The Nippon n-Shield lineup will include PPFs, headlamp protecttion, sunroof and moonroof protection along with ceramic coatings (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) According to Malhotra, traditional repainting in India still suffers from inconsistent quality and low consumer confidence, especially at smaller workshops. Nippon sees this as an opportunity to bring OEM-level finish standards into the aftermarket, not just through products, but also through application systems, trained technicians, and water-based technology. The company has already begun pilot programs with MasterCraft, its branded body and paint workshop format, to deliver controlled, high-quality repainting experiences. These outlets are also being considered as future touchpoints for n-Shield installations — creating a seamless surface care experience from paint to film. From colour matching to carbon neutrality In keeping with global sustainability goals, Nippon is also pushing the envelope in introducing low-VOC and water-based paints in the Indian market. While solvent-based solutions still dominate, especially in the two-wheeler aftermarket, the company believes that stricter regulations and rising consumer awareness will drive gradual migration toward environment-friendly formulations. Internally, there is already a clear mandate: any new formulation, whether for OE or aftermarket use, must be future-ready, meeting the highest global benchmarks for durability, environmental impact, and application safety. The leadership believes that paint — once seen as a purely aesthetic product — will increasingly be judged on its sustainability credentials, particularly as OEMs move toward greener manufacturing.'Paint is no longer just about colour — it's about contribution," said Malhotra. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
India Today
12 hours ago
- India Today
Joint home loan or personal loan? What's smarter for young couples buying property
For many young couples, buying that first home is both a big dream and a huge responsibility. With property prices rising every year, most people simply can't pay the full amount upfront. That's where loans step should you go for a joint home loan or just take a personal loan to bridge the gap? Both are options, but they work very differently, and picking the wrong one could pinch your pocket more than you A JOINT HOME LOAN OFTEN WINSA joint home loan is often the wiser choice for couples looking to buy a house together. By taking the loan jointly, both partners' incomes are combined, which means you can qualify for a bigger loan and, in many cases, a better home. Sanjeev Arora, Director 360 Realtors, puts it simply: 'To begin with, comparing a home loan and a personal loan is like comparing apples to oranges. Personal loans usually carry almost double the interest rate. When it comes to a joint home loan, it's certainly better than taking it individually.'He adds, 'By merging incomes, it increases loan eligibility, enabling you to substantially increase your budget.'Backing this, Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Realty, says, 'For young couples planning to buy a home together, a joint home loan often makes a lot more sense than turning to a personal loan. The interest rates are lower, tenures are longer, and there are tax perks that both partners can avail.'Joint home loans usually have lower interest rates than personal loans. Home loan rates in India today hover around 8–9% per year, while personal loans can easily touch 16% or REPAYMENT, EASIER EMISAnother huge plus of joint home loans is the repayment period. Home loans can stretch up to 20–30 years, which keeps the monthly EMI affordable. Personal loans, in contrast, usually need to be paid off within 1–5 years, making the monthly instalments much explains, 'EMIs are comparatively inexpensive with home loans because they have longer payback terms of up to 30 years. Personal loans, on the other hand, have shorter terms, which means that monthly payments are higher and the total interest load is larger.'DOUBLE TAX SAVINGSJoint home loans bring in another big win, tax benefits. Both partners can claim tax deductions of up to Rs 1.5 lakh each on the principal repayment under Section 80C, and up to Rs 2 lakh each on interest under Section 24(b). This can add up to handsome savings every year.'Both co-applicants are eligible to claim deductions... which maximises the family's total tax savings,' Arora A PERSONAL LOAN MIGHT HELPWhile a home loan is better for buying a house, a personal loan does have its place. 'When purchasing land or property that isn't qualified for a home loan, including unapproved plots or properties that are the subject of a legal battle, a personal loan might make more sense,' says adds, 'When rapid, collateral-free payments are required, it can also be used to cover registration fees, pay token amounts, or fill short-term liquidity shortfalls.'So, a personal loan can be a helpful short-term fix, but not a replacement for a proper home CREDIT SCORE MATTERS TOOOne important point young couples must remember is that a joint home loan affects both partners' credit scores. Make your payments on time and both scores improve. Miss EMIs and both partners' scores take a also impacts future borrowing power until the loan is cleared or well-serviced. 'Until this loan is paid back or sufficiently serviced, future loans may be restricted, which could have an impact on each borrower's eligibility for more credit,' warns TO BORROW SMARTLYTo avoid stress down the road, young couples should plan smartly. Borrow only what you can repay comfortably.'Young couples should assess joint repayment capacity realistically, choose a comfortable EMI-to-income ratio (ideally under 40%), and maintain an emergency fund covering 6–12 EMIs,' Arora advises. 'Opt for longer tenures to reduce monthly burden, avoid over-borrowing, insure the loan, and ensure transparent financial communication to prevent repayment stress in the future.'advertisementSahil Agarwal adds, 'Pooling incomes not only improves loan eligibility but also opens doors to better properties. That said, if you need quick, collateral-free funds for token payments or registration, a short-term personal loan might help bridge the gap.'Before signing any loan papers, sit together and tick off a few basics. Are both partners earning steady incomes? Is the property fully legal and approved for a bank loan? How much EMI can you comfortably pay every month without hurting other needs? And don't forget to keep enough savings ready for the down payment and extra costs like registration fees or WHAT'S SMARTER?In most cases, a joint home loan is usually the smarter path to buying a property. It brings lower interest rates, longer repayment, and double the tax perks, all adding up to better savings and peace of mind.A personal loan can help in a pinch for small, urgent payments, but not for big dreams like a your first house is a big milestone, so take your time, compare your options, and don't hesitate to ask your bank all the questions you need. It's your money, your home, and your peace of mind.- Ends
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Explained: The power of compounding through SIPs in mutual funds
When it comes to building long-term wealth, one of the most powerful tools investors have at their disposal is compounding. And when you combine compounding with Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds , it creates a simple and effective path to achieving financial goals—be it retirement, buying a house, or your child's education. What is compounding? Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Operations Management MCA Digital Marketing Data Analytics MBA Project Management Artificial Intelligence Public Policy Data Science Degree Leadership Data Science Design Thinking CXO Others Cybersecurity others Product Management Healthcare Management Finance PGDM healthcare Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details At its core, compounding means earning returns not just on your original investment, but also on the returns earned previously. Over time, this creates a snowball effect—your money earns money, and that money also starts earning. The longer you stay invested, the more pronounced the effect becomes. Best MF to invest Looking for the best mutual funds to invest? Here are our recommendations. View Details » by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Real-Time Conversations in 68 Languages? AI Just Made It Possible Enence 2.0 Undo Also Read | Mutual fund houses launch over 100 passive funds in 2025. Will Sebi's new rules shift the trend? How SIPs harness the power of compounding SIP is a disciplined way to invest a fixed amount regularly—monthly, quarterly, or even weekly—in a mutual fund scheme. While SIPs help average out market volatility through rupee cost averaging, their true magic lies in how they make compounding work more efficiently over time. Live Events By investing consistently through SIPs, even small amounts can grow significantly due to the compounding effect. Each SIP installment earns returns, and those returns are reinvested and continue to earn more. The longer you stay invested, the more the compounding effect multiplies your wealth. An example to understand the impact You start a SIP of Rs 10,000 per month, and the mutual fund gives an average annual return of 12%. You plan to invest for 20 years. The yearly SIP investment - Rs 10,000 × 12 months = Rs 1,20,000 per year The total invested period - 20 years Rs 1,20,000 × 20 = Rs 24,00,000 The maturity amount after 20 years at 12% return using SIP compound interest formula or calculator = Rs 99,90,000 (approximately Rs1 crore) Amount you invested: Rs 24,00,000 Wealth created through compounding: Rs 75,90,000 % of return through compounding: approximately 76% of the total maturity value Here, compounding has worked quietly in the background, helping you build more than four times your actual investment. Also Read | This Rs 40,000 crore large & midcap fund multiplies lumpsum investment of Rs 1 lakh by 15 times in 15 years Why time is more important than amount Many investors delay investing because they think they need a large amount to begin. But with compounding, time in the market matters more than timing the market. Starting early—even with a small SIP—can yield better results than starting late with a larger amount. How to maximise the benefits of compounding through SIPs The most important thing to do for compounding through SIP is start early as the earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow. Secondly, one should stay consistent which means that don't stop SIPs due to short-term market volatility. Thirdly, stay invested for the long term because compounding rewards patience. Lately, increase SIP amount over time which means that gradually raise your SIP as your income grows to enhance corpus. SIPs are one of the most convenient and effective ways to benefit from the power of compounding . They make market investing simple for everyone—from beginners to seasoned investors. By starting early, staying invested, and being consistent, you can put compounding to work and create meaningful wealth over time. One should always remember that it's not just how much you invest, but how long you stay invested that truly makes the difference.
