In recent years, it has become easier than ever to obtain loans. Be it for buying a home or car or for emergencies and unforeseen expenses. The government too has encouraged citizens to take loans by reducing interest rates, and the continued move towards digitization has cut down on red tape and enabled quick loans with the click of a button, literally.

The higher accessibility of loans has encouraged people to hold higher aspirations and gun for greater glory. As a result, it has also increased expenditure and consumption across the board. Given the ease with which loans can be obtained compared to the olden days, many people get sucked into perilous debt traps following excessive spending. 

As a consequence, it has led to a dangerous piling up of debts for many individuals and put them in highly stressful situations. Having to track and pay off multiple loans and settle stacked up credit card debts while also having to set money aside for household expenses, travel costs, children's education can quickly overwhelm an individual.

This is where debt consolidation can be of some assistance. Put simply, it allows you to merge your loans. When you take a personal loan for debt consolidation, all your debts get merged into a single amount which can be paid off on a monthly basis. It essentially settles all your debts and leaves you with one loan to pay off, which you can do via a single EMI (Estimated Monthly Installment) if you wish.

Is debt consolidation a one-shot clearance of all debts?

It's worth noting that your debt obligation is not reduced by way of debt consolidation. Instead of getting rid of all your debts, it merely makes the process of paying them off considerably easier.

Remember that even after you're done paying off your pre-existing debts, there's still the task of repaying the consolidation loan itself. This will require you to keep making EMI payments for the duration of your tenure. The ultimate goal is to make you entirely free of all debt.

Debt consolidation requires you to sign a debt agreement

Like any debt agreement, debt consolidation loans too are contract agreements between the borrower and the lender of a financial entity. As such, the terms outlined by the contract dictate your eligibility to make further borrowings, rendering the consolidation loan ineligible for all but the repayment of your outstanding debts.

Additionally, it also commits you toward paying the debts within the passage of a fixed period of time, and delays could lead to fines.

Affordability

Thankfully, despite the seemingly binding nature of debt consolidation, it is deemed an attractive proposition. That's because of the higher overall flexibility that they offer as well as very marginal interest rates. Aside from that, they also offer the flexibility of letting you pay only the interest as EMI.

Debt consolidation not a substitute for unhealthy financial behaviour

As we've discussed, a debt consolidation loan is merely a way of streamlining your debts and not an easier way out. So when your spending habits put you in such dire straits that you need to consider a debt consolidation loan, it's a good time to step back and reassess your financial habits. Perhaps have a look at 10 money management tips you can take to the bank.

At mPokket, we firmly believe loans should be available at the drop of a hat, when you need it most, particularly students and young professionals whose dreams and aspirations are at a budding stage.

However, we also believe in fostering a sense of responsibility when it comes to paying off debts. To that end, we offer flexible repayment options that let you decide your own repayment schedule. We also offer incentives for timely settling of dues, such as raised credit limits and mCoins. This applies to both student loans as well as loans and salary advances for young professionals. So don't wait, download the app now and take an instant loan after a quick, hassle-free and paperless process. 

A credit card is undoubtedly one of the greatest inventions of our time. Being able to get around and take in everything the material world offers without having to fret about carrying cash on your person is a greatly relieving experience.

Aside from credit, it also offers you rewards and incentives that add more value to that experience.

However, despite being such a convenient asset, used improperly, a credit card could end up costing you. Sometimes, users let their credit balances spiral out of control and end up swimming in debt. But worry not. Every one of these situations can be brought under control or averted altogether, simply by changing some of your habits.

In this feature, we'll be looking at five of the most common credit card mistakes people make and how you can avoid them:

Don't stick to bare minimum payments

It's understandable that occasional cash flow slowdowns can force you to hold off on making a full repayment of your credit card bill and only pay the minimum due amount. However, while it's fine to do that once in a while, making a habit of it can snowball into a world of debt.

This is because the more balance you keep carrying forward each month, the more interest you eventually end up having to pay. Ideally, you should plan your credit card purchases in such a way that you can pay off the entire month's balance each time. But if you're unable to do that for some reason, at least do your best to clear off as much of the balance as possible.

Don't close your oldest credit card

A lot of people have multiple credit cards to their name. Aside from the basic convenience of having alternate cards to fall back on, credit card brands constantly tie-up with e-commerce outlets to offer enticing discounts and no cost emi deals if a purchase is made using their card. Having multiple options allows you to take advantage of the best credit card offers.

More importantly, however, maintaining multiple credit accounts over a long period of time boosts your credit score, since the average period over which you've held credit is one of the factors that go into calculating your credit score. Closing your oldest credit card also raises your credit utilization ratio, which hampers your score.

Too many cards in too little time

While there are some conveniences if you maintain multiple cards, as discussed in the previous point, adding up your card collection too fast can have negative consequences as well.

Keep in mind that every time you apply for a new credit card, your credit score goes down by a few points. And if you go berserk and fire off too many applications for new credit cards over a short span of time, you'll invite suspicion from your would-be lenders, who might even reject your applications.

Report a stolen card in time

Sure, it's invariably safer to carry a credit card instead of a fat stack of cash on your person. However, it's always worth remembering that your card holds the key to a large amount of money, which, in the wrong hands, could deprive you of a significant chunk of change.

Should you lose your credit card, it's imperative that you get on a call with your card provider as soon as possible and notify them of the theft. As soon as you've done so, you'll no longer be liable for any fraudulent charge made using your stolen card. However, every second you waste in reporting the loss buys valuable time for any would-be miscreants.

Don't take it to the max

We've all been in situations where the urge to splurge is high. Spend too much and you end up with a maxed-out credit limit. When this happens, your credit utilization ratio goes up and your credit score goes down!

And if you do it often and struggle to pay it back, it's likely that you're spending beyond your means. But if you're able to pay it back just fine, then perhaps, it's time to talk to your card provider about raising your credit limit.

As we've discussed above, punctual credit card usage can improve your credit score. Similarly, one of the many benefits of timely repayments after you take an instant loan from mPokket is a boost to your CIBIL score. This is because we have always encouraged responsible borrowing and to that end, we also offer incentives such as mCoins and higher borrowing limits.

So why not give it a try? mPokket offers instant loans for students online as well as instant loans for salaried of up to Rs. 50,000. Simply download the app from Google Play Store, register with a handful of documents, and avail instant loans that are transferred directly into your bank account. No fuss, no muss!

You might also like: What is CIBIL score? All you need to know about CIBIL score and How to check it using your PAN

We all love it when e-commerce platforms such as Amazon or Flipkart launch a sale. It's the perfect excuse for many of us to finally splurge on objects of desire that we had been curating on our wish lists for months.

The sellers realize this too. Besides the discounts on the products themselves, they also offer a plethora of convenient payment options so that you can take further advantage if you happen to be eligible for any of them.

Some examples of this include exchange offers, discounts specific to participating banks, and no-cost EMI. While the first two are self-explanatory and straightforward, there's a bit more to the latter than meets the eye. In this feature, we delve into the nitty-gritty of no-cost EMIs, including advantages and disadvantages that you ought to be aware of.

What is no cost EMI?

EMI, or Equated Monthly Installment, allows you to complete a purchase without having to pay the full payment at once. Instead, you can pay in smaller monthly installments that are calculated based on the tenure of your EMI; the lengthier the tenure, the higher the interest.

When should I opt for no-cost EMI?

Given that you'd even be considering paying by no cost EMI, it's apparent that the item you want to purchase is a pricey one. Therefore, It goes without saying that you should first affirm your decision to go ahead with the purchase only after assessing your financial situation. After all, there's no point in going ahead with an impulse buy using no-cost EMI and ending up paying more than what it would've cost to pay the whole amount upfront.

Only If you are certain that the item is something that you absolutely need, and you'll be capable of paying the monthly EMI on time during the entire course of the tenure, only then is no cost EMI a convenient mode of payment that you should consider.

Why it's not really ‘no cost'

If you're thinking that no-cost EMI implies getting to enjoy the best of both worlds, ie. not having to pay upfront and not having to pay interest, you'd be mistaken. This is because when you opt for no-cost EMI on a discounted product, you end up paying the original undiscounted price. And if the product isn't discounted, you will be paying interest.

Your favorite e-commerce sites offer no-cost EMIs with stipulated interest rates that are usually the equivalent of the discount being offered on the product. Depending on the seller and the financier of the loan, the interest rate can vary between 12 to 15 percent. Aside from this, the financier can also charge a processing fee, which is added to your total cost.

How no-cost EMI affects credit card users

Should you opt for no-cost EMI using a credit card, the amount payable gets deducted from your card's credit limit, which is then restored over the course of your tenure with each installment paid.

How no-cost EMI affects debit card users

If you're using a debit card, however, be aware that the whole amount is debited from your bank account and only credited back once the transaction is successfully converted to a loan after a few days. So you'll have to ensure your bank balance is enough to cover the full cost and also that you won't be in any temporary financial difficulty until the amount is credited back.

Merits of no-cost EMI

• You can purchase pricey items without needing to pay the entire amount in one go
• The amount can instead be paid over the next few months
• Over how many months you can stretch your installments depends on the length of your chosen tenure
• Not having to dish out a sizable chunk of money at one go and being able to pay a recurring installment instead helps you plan your monthly budget better

Demerits of no-cost EMI

• They are not supported by all financiers
• You end up paying more than you would have you paid the full amount upfront
• Some NBFCs only extend it to customers that have a credit score equal to or higher than a value specified by the offer
• In the event that you return the product and get a refund, you'll still lose the interest paid
• Not every product or brand is covered by no-cost EMI

When you absolutely need to purchase something that makes you want to opt for a no-cost EMI, you could also consider an instant loan instead. That way, you'd be able to purchase the item at the discounted rate itself. Also, as we've discussed above, a no-cost EMI via debit card requires you to have a bank balance equivalent or ideally, a bit more than the full price of the product. mPokket offers loans of up to Rs. 50,000 for students, instant loans for salaried of up to Rs. 50,000 and even salary advance loan, and it's transferred straight to your bank account after a fast, paperless approval process.

Whenever you seek a loan or apply for a credit card, one of the eligibility parameters set by the lender includes your CIBIL score, a three-digit number that measures your creditworthiness, and based on it, the loan or credit gets issued.

CIBIL, which stands for Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited – now renamed TransUnion CIBIL – is India's leading credit information company, and calculates the credit scores of individuals.

We have already discussed what a CIBIL score is and how to do a CIBIL score check. Today, we'll go over the ways in which you can resolve a CIBIL dispute.

Despite the best measures taken by TransUnion CIBIL as well as the lenders to maintain a high level of data accuracy, sometimes, errors still find their way into the system. Should your credit report be affected by incorrect information as a result of such errors, your credit score stands to be jeopardized.

First, it is important to know what types of CIBIL disputes there are:

1. Individual Dispute

Errors or inaccuracies in the CIBIL report of an individual can be down to incorrect personal details. An example of this would be the misspelling of a person's name, such as Rahul Mehta written as Rahul Mehra. It could also be down to the incorrect entry of details such as an address, company name or PAN number, or even an errant payment status.

It could even be a case of duplicate accounts, resulting in a single loan reflecting twice on the individual's CIBIL report and subsequently, the lowering of their score overall.

To resolve such disputes, the individual has to file a CIBIL dispute form.

2. Company Dispute

Company Disputes come about when there are discrepancies in a company's credit report. Just as with individual disputes, company disputes could also be down to the existence of a duplicate account or data discrepancies.

A company dispute can be filed via a CIBIL dispute form submitted by the company's authorized signatory.

However, keep in mind that company disputes can't resolve issues pertaining to account number, member name, enquiry date and control number.

How to raise a CIBIL dispute?

You can raise a CIBIL Dispute resolution request to resolve any issues that you have with the CIBIL report or the company's credit report. If you've already registered on CIBIL, you can raise a dispute simply by logging into your member account and following the steps listed below:

• Log in to ‘myCIBIL'
• Click on the ‘Raise a Dispute' tab
• Select the section that you want to dispute
• Select your account
• In the case of a dispute over duplicate information or ownership, choose that option under ‘Dispute Type' and enter the particulars of the dispute.
• In the case of a dispute arising due to inaccurate data, specify the correct value for the respective field and click ‘Submit'.

Should you not have an account, you'll have to fill out the CIBIL online dispute resolution form at the following URL:

Link to online dispute form (For individual disputes)

Link to commercial dispute resolution form (For company disputes)

While online dispute resolutions are your quickest bets to resolve any CIBIL report discrepancies, you also have the option to write and mail in a letter to their Mumbai office at the following address:

TransUnion CIBIL Limited

One World Center, 19th Floor, Tower 2A and 2B,

841, Jupiter Textile Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg,

Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013

CIBIL dispute resolution process

Once a CIBIL dispute is raised, discrepancies and errors found the following scrutiny are labeled ‘under dispute', following which CIBIL approaches the lender in question and corrects the mistakes. Meanwhile, you will be updated on the status of your CIBIL dispute by email every seven days, and once your report is corrected, you will be notified by SMS.

Keep in mind that this process could take around 30 days. This is because CIBIL doesn't make changes to your report before approaching the financial entity in question. Only following the necessary authorization from them does CIBIL go ahead with any amendments.

When you take loans from mPokket, be it an education loan, a service loan, or a salary advance loan, timely repayments improve your CIBIL score, which will help you be eligible for larger loans and even improve your employment prospects. Simply download and install the app, register by uploading a handful of documents, and post-approval, borrow instant personal loans of up to Rs. 50,000, based on your credit score and your repayment history. mPokket instant loans for students online and instant loans for salaried are both credited straight to your bank account.

Friends and family are the biggest pillars of support in our lives. They know how to cheer you up on the dullest day of the year. You tend to bank on them even during times of a financial crisis. Unplanned spending and irregular investments may lead you into a financial crunch during emergencies. But is borrowing money from family members and friends a good idea?

Asking your parents or a friend for a loan may sound normal and you may get benefits like flexibility for repayment, nominal or no interest, and no security to compensate non-payment. Though it sounds simple and easy, it may give rise to several undesirable issues.

5 Reasons why you must not borrow from family and friends

Here is a list of top 5 reasons why borrowing from friends and family is a bad idea:

1. Loss of income from interest:

Your loved ones would not charge you interest while lending you money, even if they agree to it, the rate of interest would be much lower than bank interest rates for a personal loan. It is beneficial for you, but the lender will be losing on interest income he could have earned on that money. To avoid such losses to your loved ones, it is advisable to approach a bank or financial institutions lending money.

2. Repayment may not be easy:

Your family and friends do not lend money for interest, so in most cases, there is no paperwork. In the absence of written repayment terms, it is hard to decide a timeline and they may ask you for the money soon after. In such a case, you may either be unable to pay the amount or will have to take further individual loans to repay the earlier one. When borrowing from a Bank your repayment terms are well laid out on paper and you can even improve your credit score with timely loan EMI payments.

3. Indebtedness:

Borrowing money from family and friends leaves you feeling indebted to them forever. In case you are unable to repay the loan amount, you will feel awkward facing the person each time you meet them. Even after the personal loan repayment you will remain obliged to them for helping you in your tough times. The scenario is entirely different when you apply for a bank loan online or offline. Since the organization deals in furnishing loans to those in need, you don't feel they have done a favor for you. Unlike your dear ones, you can freely visit the bank or financial institution for other services.

4. Landing into a stressful situation:

You borrow money from your loved ones with a strong intention to repay, but if your budgeting fails you may not be able to do so. This can be stressful for you and your dear ones. Also, in case the family member who lends you loan money needs it back urgently due to unavoidable reasons you cannot deny paying them. Borrowing money from family and friends is similar to taking an unsecured loan, and it might lead you into unexpected trouble. Banks however will not pressurize you to make an early payment and there won't be any issue if the loan EMI is paid on time.

5. Ruining relationships:

You owe your family or friends a favor once you borrow money from them. Even if you are able to repay the loan amount on time, you will feel guilty if you are not able to help them during their low time and return their favor. In case of an emergency, they may expect you to help them out, but you may not be in a position to support them. Such instances ruin even the closest relationships. Availing loans from a bank or financial institution ensures you don't land in such unpleasant situations.

Save Yourself

An important lesson in financial management is to ensure your savings are enough to allow you to survive through a minimum of 6 months. But still, sometimes you might end up in a financial fix. Save yourself from the guilt and humiliation arising from the above-mentioned issues during such phases. You must steer clear of involving financial matters in personal relationships. Keep the awkwardness of money discussions away from family chitchats and friendly gossips.

It is advisable to keep your financial situation discreet by applying for bank loans or trying online money lending options. Easy EMI arrangement makes repayment feasible and gives you more peace of mind.

Avoid risking the hard-earned money of your near and dear ones. Adopt money lending techniques that are low risk. mPokket offers low-rate loans for all your emergency needs. Our quick paperless process allows you to apply for an instant personal loan online. Download India's top-rated instant loan app for students and young professionals. Upload the required documents to support your loan application. Once approved, the loan amount is instantly transferred to your bank account.

Loans are an indispensable part of our lives at some point or the other. However, before taking a loan, it's important to be fully aware of the different types of loans, and their benefits or caveats.

When it comes to loans, there are two main types – Secured and Unsecured. You must be aware of the differences between the two types of loans so that you can avoid getting into an undesirable situation later on.

The key difference between a secured and unsecured loan is that you have to provide some type of collateral for the former. This one difference has a significant impact later on, as it affects your interest rate, borrowing limit and repayment terms, among other things.

Keeping that in mind, let's delve deeper into the two types of loans, beginning with secured loans.

What is a Secured Loan?

A secured loan requires the borrower to pledge an asset of roughly equal value as the loan amount, such as land, property, vehicle, and jewellery. This is known as collateral.

As a result of the collateral, the lender is at minimum risk since he can simply seize the asset in case of non-payment of the loan by the borrower.

Also, secured loans are usually more difficult to qualify for than unsecured loans, and feature high borrowing limits, and allow for long tenures of repayment.

Why you should consider a secured loan:

They are low-interest loans.

The borrowing limit is high

They allow for a long repayment period.

Why you shouldn't consider a secured loan

Despite the above-mentioned advantages such as lower interest rates and longer repayment tenure, should you still be unable to pay back your loan on time, the lender will seize or sell your collateral.

Your credit score will be affected negatively too, in case of non-repayment.

What are typical examples of secured loans?

Home Loans: This is one of the most popular types of loans from banks. In this case, the new home for which you are taking the loan is the collateral.

Gold Loan: Those in dire need of money can pledge their gold as collateral to obtain a bank loan that is around 75 percent of the gold's value.

Car Loan: After a home loan is paid off, the next step for many people on their way up in life is a car loan. The car is the collateral in this case.

Loan Against Property: When you mortgage your residential or commercial property as collateral, you're eligible for a secured loan at a considerably low-interest rate.

What is an Unsecured Loan?

Unsecured loans, as we mentioned earlier, are not backed up by any sort of collateral such as property, jewellery, etc. As a result of being loans with collateral not involved, it is the lender who bears the highest risk in the case of unsecured loans. Due to this, unsecured loans usually have significantly high-interest rates, much more so than secured loans.

Also, as a result, unsecured loans are for much smaller amounts than secured loans.

Why you should consider an unsecured loan

If you can make your loan repayments on time, you'll improve your credit score.

There are usually not too many terms and conditions in unsecured loans, and whatever criteria have been set are relatively simple.

In the event that you're unable to pay back your loan, there are no assets pledged to the lender which they can seize

Unlike secured loans such as home loans or car loans, for example, you have greater freedom to use an unsecured loan for any purpose that you see fit.

Why you shouldn't consider an unsecured loan

Interest rates on unsecured loans are very high

Repayment schedules are very short, and coupled with the high-interest rates, can be difficult to keep up with

In case you fail to make timely repayments on a loan, your credit score is at risk of taking a beating.

What are popular examples of unsecured loans?

Credit Cards: This is one of the oldest forms of unsecured loans, where you're billed once a month, and interest is charged on any outstanding balance.

Personal Line of Credit: While similar to credit cards, a line of credit loan usually comes with a far lower interest rate. Also, they come up with an approved credit limit that can be used any way you like.

Personal Loans: These are loans for personal use and can be used in a variety of ways, such as medical, phone bills, travel, studies, and based on your credit history, and the loan amount can range from a few thousand rupees up to a few lakhs.

One of the best ways to obtain personal loans is by using a instant loan app, and few in the industry can match mPokket's user-friendliness and convenience. Apply loan for up to Rs. 50,000 and repay with flexible repayment options. Just download the app and join the 7+ million users who have tried it before you and see for yourself!

Loans used to be a lot tougher to obtain in the olden days, but in recent years, obtaining quick loan money is a cinch. With the cost of living showing no signs of letting up, personal loans have begun to play an important role in our day-to-day lives.

Being able to afford daily necessities at the end of the month, or pay for a night out with friends, or even emergencies for which you need urgent money, is sometimes only made possible, thanks to the convenience of a personal loan service that loans money almost instantaneously.

However, while it feels good to get a personal loan easily, it is just as important to pay it back on time. This helps keep your financial standing in good shape and also saves you time and money in the long run.

With that in mind, we look at 5 ways to repay loans on time.

Foreclosure

As we have discussed, we usually need personal loans to pay for debts that are short-term in nature. However, repayment of these loans is a long-term process, as you have to pay back the principal amount with the interest levied on it, over a 12-month period (and sometimes up to 60 months).

If you don't want to have this hanging over you and possess the necessary savings in your kitty, you can get out of it by foreclosing your personal loan. Note that this only is possible once your loan's lock-in period is over, and also, you will have to pay a penalty charge.

Regardless, it's still cheaper in the long run, compared to paying the full interest over the originally stipulated tenure, and it eases your financial pressure.

Consider a Part-Time Job

A lot of students work part-time, in order to pull off their education loan repayment. This allows you to get an early start on the road towards settling your debt. While it can be stressful to juggle your studies and work, it's worth considering if don't see yourself coming into the kind of finances that you would need to foreclose.

You can also go one better and invest the money you earn from your part-time job and then pay off the loan upon finishing your course, with the cumulative sum derived upon investment maturity.

Prioritize From High to Low

It's important to keep in mind that the interest rate of a personal loan is higher than loans for a home or vehicle, for example. As a result, you could dig yourself into a hole if you let them pile up.

So, while you may have a bunch of loans on your plate, make sure to prioritize the personal loan repayment. Doing so will also ensure you pay it off faster.

Debt Consolidation

Another alternative for those with too many loans on their plate is to consider debt consolidation. With so many loans to repay, managing them could get out of hand as the interest rates stack up, making it an uphill task to even pay off your monthly EMIs on schedule.

Debt consolidation allows you to consolidate all your loans into a single entity, altogether removing the headache of paying off multiple loans on varying interest rates. You can make a single payment every month, at a fixed rate of interest. Not only that, when you go for a debt consolidation loan, you'll end up paying a lower interest rate, thus easing the burden of managing your finances.

Personal Loan Balance Transfer

Just like debt consolidation, another alternative which you can avail is a personal loan balance transfer. Say you are not entirely satisfied with your existing lender or your existing credit limit is too low, a personal loan balance transfer offers a quick out for you.

Put simply, it's a process where you transfer your entire outstanding personal loan from one bank to another, and the new bank extends a lower interest rate on the outstanding loan amount.

Do keep in mind, however, that you need to have a good credit score to avail a personal loan balance transfer.

A good credit score is just one of the many benefits of timely repayments when you take an instant loan from mPokket. We have always encouraged responsible borrowing and to that end, we offer incentives such as mCoins and higher borrowing limits.

Simply download and install the mPokket app from Google Play Store, register with a handful of documents, and avail of instant loans up to Rs. 50,000 directly into your bank account.

Emerged as the cash for digital transactions, Bitcoin has become a household since its birth over a decade ago. Its inconsistent prices have kept it in the news over the years. The growing popularity of this digital currency leaves many of us curious about investing in it. Young professionals and students are enticed to it owing to the ease of accessibility, technology backing, and value packaging. Bitcoin is termed as ‘digital gold' when compared to traditional assets. Though the return on investment is exciting, most countries haven't yet legalized it as a form of currency. In this article, we will discover all about bitcoins and explore if it is worth the risk.

What is bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a completely digital currency that is not controlled by any government or financial institution. Based on the concept of cryptocurrency, it is a decentralized online payment system. The first Bitcoin was created in 2009. Its first lines of code were described in a white paper published under the pen name Satoshi Nakamoto, but he is not the owner of Bitcoin. It was designed to function without any interference from the government or any regulatory body. It is not controlled or produced by anyone in the world, not even the one who created bitcoin. All Bitcoin transactions are conducted on digital signatures and digital coins while being maintained on a ledger. They are maintained through publicly accessible blockchains to ensure transparency and prevent hacking. Its decentralized nature requires all nodes handled by individuals across the globe to verify each transaction.

What is Blockchain Technology & Bitcoin mining?

Blockchain is a distributed ledger to maintain the transactional data of a digital asset. Each transactional record is called a block and the public database. where it is stored simultaneously are known as a chain. The transactions are approved through a peer-to-peer network instead of a central clearing authority. It is a complex technology offering accurate tracking of all transactions through a permanent ledger. Blockchain technology is an efficient way of recording information permanently. At present, it is almost impossible to hack or change the system, and it seems considerably difficult to do so in the future as well.

Bitcoin mining is a voluntary practice of reviewing transactions. Individuals known as ‘Miners' invest their time and computing power to inspect the authenticity of the transactions. For each authentic transaction that is added to the network, they are rewarded in Bitcoin. Besides, they can also contribute to the new protocols of the network.

How are bitcoins generated?

Bitcoins are generated by a reward-based process called Mining. This competitive process of cryptocurrency mining engages technologically sound individuals known as Miners. They process transactions and ensure the security of the network in exchange for new bitcoins. The process takes place through powerful computers, needs high-level technical competence, and consumes a lot of energy. Miners solve complex mathematical problems related to the Bitcoin algorithm to generate a reward.

New Bitcoins are generated in accordance with the network protocol at a decreasing rate. The number is halved each year to restrict the total number of bitcoins in existence at 21 million bitcoins. Bitcoin mining a very competitive business as making profits against the increasing number of miners is tough. Miners may not even be able to efficiently cut their operating costs most of the time. As the system is decentralized, there is no central authority with the power to control the system and make it profitable. Once Bitcoin mining comes to a halt, the network contributors may be supported through transaction fees.

What's the real value of a bitcoin?

Bitcoin is incredibly volatile, which is one of the main reasons it makes news headlines every other day. The valuation of a bitcoin can be adjudged based on the following theories:

1. Reflexivity

The demand for bitcoin as a currency decides its value when calculated based on this theory. An increase in its popularity and usage will increase its value. But the valuation cannot merely be attributed to demand and supply, as the total number of Bitcoins that will ever be available is limited to 21 million.

2. The Lindy Effect

This theory is similar to the earlier one, the valuation is based on the optimism and longevity of the digital currency. So, if Bitcoin is being traded confidently and isn't hacked over time, its value is bound to rise. On the other hand, if people lose interest in the currency or consider it as a risky investment option, its value will begin falling.

3. The Gold Comparison

Bitcoin is also compared to gold in terms of its properties as an asset. Both are considered valuable, as they are rare and valuable mediums of exchange. They are great to own and can be easily valued against other resources, but they don't generate income unless someone else buys them. Still, if you compare them, investing in Bitcoin is risky at the moment, as it is just 5% of the Gold available. Gold has built its popularity among investors over centuries and is considered superior.

Can we buy bitcoins in India?

The facility to buy bitcoins is now available in India, however Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expressed concern about cryptocurrency in 2018. Regulated entities such as banks and financial institutions were instructed to restrain from dealing with Bitcoin. The decision was favored by the Supreme Court (SC) of India, back then. Last year, the ban was revoked by SC to allow trading by bitcoin companies only for business purposes. But possessing Bitcoin for individuals is still illegal in the country.

You can buy bitcoin in India through online platforms like Zebpay, UnoCoin (India-based company), CoinSwitch Kuber, and CoinSecure. It is a high-risk investment owing to the volatile trading prices and absence of regulations. There are no guidelines for resolving any related disputes which add to the precariousness of dealing in bitcoins. RBI however is researching digital instruments backed by plans to launch a native digital currency.

The price of bitcoin in India is around INR 40 Lacs, however, as discussed earlier the rates are highly unstable. You can initiate a bitcoin investment by buying even a fraction of it, the minimum amount being INR 500 only. KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is mandatory to initiate bitcoin trade. It includes a PAN card and a valid address proof along with a bank account of the buyer. Document verification takes around 2-3 days, post which you are required to set up a bitcoin wallet. Bitcoins can be stored in online or offline wallets known as hot and cold wallets, respectively. The possibility of hacking hot wallets makes them vulnerable, and most investors prefer storing them in cold wallets. Besides buying bitcoins through crypto exchanges, you can also trade bitcoins through P2P (person-to-person) transactions. These are also carried out through crypto exchanges, but they take more time to be processed.

Experts Talk: Warren Buffett on Bitcoin

Bitcoin has drawn the attention of tycoons from across the world. While most of them find it attractive, others are skeptical about it. Warren Buffet is one of the toughest critics of cryptocurrency. He believes it doesn't have any inherent value, as it doesn't generate any earnings, and compares it to the Tulip craze of 1637. In accordance with his investment principles, Buffet invests only in businesses and sectors he understands. He prefers investing in stable companies over those based on headlines. Companies that grow steadily top his preference list and he doesn't support unpredictable investments.

Are bitcoins the real next big thing?

Bitcoin is becoming increasingly popular among students and young professionals as an alternate asset to hedge market volatility. Though it is now two decades old, you should be mindful while investing in Bitcoin. Consider purchasing cryptocurrency and bitcoin through legitimate exchanges and ensure they follow KYC and AML guidelines.

Mutual Funds, small cases, and ETFs are better options in India for students and young professionals. Millennials have invested heavily in stock markets in the past year and have gained good returns. To plan your investments, you can direct a percentage of your earnings towards savings each month. While mPokket has your back in case of any emergency. Download our instant loan app for students and young professionals to apply for a personal loan whenever needed. The seamless process of availing a personal loan from mPokket allows you to receive money right into your bank account.

The competition in the Indian job market is becoming fierce every day. You must consider upgrading and upskilling yourself constantly by gaining knowledge about what is trending in your domain. Whether you are a fresher or a working professional, you must be adept with the latest techniques and processes of your occupation.

We have listed down top learning courses under 10000 rupees to elevate your career:

Top Software Development Courses

1. Mobile Development:

Rapid penetration of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other wearable gadgets in the Indian markets have boosted mobile app development. Building a mobile app has become an important part of the business and marketing strategy of any organization. You can opt for mobile development courses on the best online learning platforms. You can pursue certification courses for Android and iOS App Development under 10000 for mastering Java, C, C++, and C#, which are popular app development languages.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML are rapidly gaining popularity as disruptive technologies in the IT sector. They are finding applicability in a variety of business sectors and even in routine-life. You can take advantage of the growing demand and land high-quality jobs by pursuing artificial intelligence and machine learning courses online. Mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills are a prerequisite to learning artificial intelligence programming, and the best online courses cost around 10,000 rupees or more.

Top Course in Finance

3. Stock Trading Course:

Stock Trading certification is the best online course for Finance professionals in India. You can learn the basics, digital tools, and trading techniques useful in the capital markets. These courses are offered by market regulators and top brokerage houses to acquaint beginners with industry jargon, Fundamental Analysis to help you pick the right company, and Technical Analysis which involves studying charts. Pursuing this course for 10,000 rupees equips you with the theoretical and practical know-how of wealth creation through equity markets. You get insights related to company analysis, risk assessment, entry and exit times of stocks, and trading style suitable to meet your personal goals. This short-term course is useful for starting a career in financial planning and wealth management.

4. Diploma in Tally:

Diploma in Tally is one of the top short-term courses in finance after graduation. You can learn the core functions of finance through this course. It includes modules related to accounting, billing, payroll, banking, taxation, and inventory. Tally accounting software is used by small and mid-level businesses. It facilitates ERP functions for them making knowledge of Tally important for beginner-level finance professionals.

Top Courses in Management

5. PMP Certification:

Project Management Professional Certification (PMP certification) is among the best short term online courses for professionals looking to upscale their career. It is a globally recognized certification and will help you in landing better job opportunities. Candidates must fulfill some eligibility criteria based on academics and work experience. Once your application has been accepted and approved, you can prepare for the comprehensive exam conducted by Project Management Institute. You can prepare for the exam through an online short-term course costing in the range of 5000 to 15000. Some institutes offer in-class courses also or you can opt for self-paced preparations. Once you clear the exam, you become a certified associate in project management.

6. Digital Marketing Certification:

The rise of e-commerce has shifted customer preferences. Businesses have expanded their scope of marketing from traditional to digital. Most organizations are adopting an omnichannel approach as they realize customer engagement on social media and digital platforms cannot be overlooked. This shift has led to a demand for talented digital marketing professionals. You can pursue 6 months diploma courses or PG certification in Digital Marketing under 10k to upskill yourself. The course will improve your understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Management (SMM), and Marketing Analytics. Some courses also include a live project for a hands-on experience. It equips you for specialized digital marketing roles and also helps you upgrade your marketing knowledge.

Top Soft Skill Courses

7. Business Communication Skills Course:

The business world is rapidly expanding beyond national boundaries and communication skills are gaining importance as we go global. It is important to write and speak your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Pursuing a short-term course in business communication skills gives you a competitive advantage among your colleagues. Most courses train you to effectively address issues in verbal and written aspects of your communication. There are other courses that are comprehensive and include Nonverbal communication as well. Pursuing soft skill courses boosts your confidence helping you project positive body language and facial expressions. Upon completion of the course, you will be adept at skillfully composing text messages, preparing visually appealing reports, and present business documents with conviction.

8. Creative Thinking Course:

In the fast-paced world, we live in today, we need to constantly innovate. To stay a step ahead of your competitors, you must think and implement creative ideas every day. The creative thinking course improves your self-development skills and allows you to amplify your innate creativity. It helps polish your problem-solving skills and equips you with techniques to effortlessly resolve everyday business challenges. The courseware includes various brainstorming techniques, practical tips on problem-solving, and a variety of exercises to practice creative thinking at individual and team levels. You will also learn how to effectively communicate your ideas.

Top Artistic Courses

9. Diploma in Fine Arts:

An entry-level certification is among the best short-term courses after graduation in Arts or class 12th. The course is useful for those interested in building their career in Fine Arts, as it equips you with basic theoretical and practical knowledge. The courseware of most institutes includes techniques of 2D and 3D animation, along with traditional concepts of drawing and painting. You can pursue further education or jobs in the domain of graphic designing, animation, interior designing, sculpting, and archeology.

10. Cosmetology Course:

Passion can be turned into a profession by upskilling. There is a demand for people who specialize in makeup, beauty treatments, and various types of therapies. You can enroll in a diploma or certificate course to brush up on your skills. Beauty therapist courses train you in detail for applying flawless makeup, hairstyling, skin treatments, and massage therapy. Most sessions are conducted in-class, where you get practical training to start a career as a makeup artist and hairstylist.

mPokket Your Trusted Partner

The budget should not be a constraint in your career advancement. mPokket is India's leading student loan app. We provide instant personal loans to make your career growth hassle-free. You can download mPokket instant loan app from Google Play Store to get an instant personal loan online. You can get loans ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs.50,000 directly into your bank account.

The pandemic changed our lives in more ways than we could ever imagine. Digital adoption accelerated across industries and online education has become the norm. This led to a rise in demand for affordable laptops for students.

To help you pick one for your needs here is a list of the most economical laptops for students:

According to the Processor

1. Lenovo V14 AMD RYZEN 3 3250U

Lenovo's V15 is the best business laptop in India under 30000. Its impressive processing power makes it a terrific contender in terms of multitasking when compared to its peers. It boasts an AMD® Ryzen™ 3 3250U Processor (2 Cores/4 Threads), 2.60 GHz, up to 3.50 GHz with Max Boost and 1 MB Cache L2 / 4 MB Cache L3. A 4 GB Soldered DDR4 2400MHz, complements its processing capabilities. There's ample ROM of 1 TB (5400 HDD) offering better space management under DOS environment. For a laptop under 30000, it is well suited to provide you a smooth experience.

2. Dell Inspiron 3000 APU

Dell Inspiron 300 delivers a powerful performance and is among the top Dell laptops within 30000. Powered by a staggering fast AMD APU Dual Core A9 processor possessing a max clock speed up to 3.7 GHz, it is a strong player in the entry-level segment. This laptop has 4 GB DDR4 RAM at 2133 MHz (expandable up to 16 GB). It also includes an AMD Radeon R5 graphic processor for smooth rendering. Pre-installed with Windows 10 Home and the latest Microsoft Office Home/Student 2019, this is a perfect low-budget laptop. It's well suited to handle everyday tasks, be it working on a spreadsheet, attending an online class, or any other tasks. Given its top specifications, this Dell laptop under 30000 is truly an outperformer!

According to the Graphic Specifications

3. HP Laptop 15s-du1052TU

HP 15s-du1052TU gives you a smooth experience and is a top contender among laptops within 30000. It is powered by Intel® Pentium® Gold 6405U (2.4 GHz base frequency, 2 MB L3 cache, 2 cores) and 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (1 x 4 GB) with transfer rates up to 2400 MT/s. The ROM size is 1 TB(5400 rpm SATA HDD). For fluidic visuals and better rendering, it includes an Intel UHD graphics card(with 24 graphic execution units) that is based on 14nm architecture. With good graphic processing, improving your video experience to a considerable extent along with support for light gaming, making it the best gaming laptop under 30000.

4. Acer One 14 Pentium Gold (Z2-485)

Acer One 14 comes with Intel Pentium Gold dual-core processor, along with Intel's HD 610 graphic processing. Being the best laptop under 30000 for students, it is great for watching videos or browsing the Internet seamlessly. Its HD LED-back-lit display delivers visuals with clear and vivid colors that complement its graphic capabilities. Also, it can handle video editing using dedicated software. Other specifications include 4 GB DDR4 RAM at 2133 MHz and 1 TB HDD ROM to ensure efficient app loading, storing large volumes of data and a better multitasking experience. This laptop is the best performing all-rounder under low budget segment that's truly going to impress you!

According to the Hard Disk Size

5. Asus Celeron Dual Core

Being the perfect Asus laptop under 30000, this one comes with an Intel Celeron Dual Core N4020 processor (along with turbo boost up to 2.8 GHz) and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM making it capable of handling many tasks simultaneously. It possesses a large storage space of up to 1 TB which lets you store, movies, photos, games, and much more on this laptop with ease. It comes with Windows 10 Home and includes inbuilt space optimization tools and ASUS IceCool technology to avoid any heating issues. Overall, it's a great pick which exceeds one's expectation owing to its perfect optimization between software and hardware components.

6. Lenovo Ideapad 3 Athlon

The Ideapad 3 Athlon from Lenovo runs Windows 10 Home version and is powered by AMD Athlon Dual Core 3050U processor. It is a great Lenovo laptop under 30000 clocked at 2.3 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz. Along with 4 GB DDR4 RAM, it also includes an AMD Radeon graphic processor for smoother visuals. Coming to the storage space, this one comes with 1 TB of HDD that spins at 5400 RPM thereby using less power, which in turn causes minimal heat emission and cuts down the noise. Be it transfer speeds, data storage, or application response time, this sturdy machine makes all the complicated tasks look too easy!

According to the RAM Specification

7. Acer Aspire 3 Ryzen 3

Acer offers a 4GB RAM laptop under 30000, which is suitable for light to medium processing and multitasking. It runs on Windows 10 Home version and is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 Dual Core processor clocked at 2.6 GHz with Turbo Boost Upto 3.5 GHz, 5MB cache, and a 4 GB DDR4 RAM. Also, RAM on this machine could be expanded by up to 12 GB as per the user's convenience. The RAM management on this machine is optimized in such a manner that it enhances data read/write speeds, thus allowing faster file access which in turn aids the processor to work in its full capacity for supporting multiple processes simultaneously.

8. Asus E410 Pentium Quad Core

Asus E410 is the best laptop under 30000 with 4GB RAM. It runs on Windows 10 Home version. It's powered by an Intel Pentium gold (quad-core) processor, 4 MB cache, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce Intel UHD 605 graphics processor. It includes 256 GB SSD storage at 500 RPM. Compared to its peers, this machine is very well optimized to take advantage of using SSD which can read/write data at much faster speeds and this helps its RAM to save some extra bytes of memory to be allocated to more complicated tasks be it effective multitasking, efficient video editing, enhanced gaming, and faster browsing.

According to Screen Size

9. ASUS VivoBook15 X509MA-BR336T

VivoBook from Asus checks off pretty much every box for what we want from a budget-friendly laptop in India. It's powered up by an Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor with up to 4GB 2400MHz RAM and 1 TB HDD. It has a 15.6-inch LED-Backlit NanoEdge thin bezel HD (1366 x 768 16:9) display along with matte anti-glare coating for a truly immersive and engaging experience. The display goes fully bright at 220 Nits and is having an 82% Screen-To-Body ratio, which is even better than many budget laptops in India. Considering the high-quality display, the power backup on this machine is also pretty decent up to 5hrs.

10. Lenovo Ideapad S145-15IIL

Lenovo Ideapad laptops deliver powerful processing, smooth performance, and a stylish appearance becoming one of the best budget laptops in India under 30000. It runs on DOS and comes equipped with the Intel Core i3 1005G1 10th Generation dual-core processor with up to 3.5 GHz processing speed, 4 GB DDR4 RAM at 2666 MHz, 4 MB cache, and an Intel integrated UHD graphic processor. It sports a two-sided narrow bezel 39.6 cm (15.6-inch) HD LED display(16:9 Aspect Ratio, 220 Nits Brightness) with Anti-glare technology. One can enjoy a larger screen space and an immersive viewing experience along with a better range of viewing angles. This one's a durable machine with a decent display.

Get Instant Loans for your Laptop

Our list helps you shortlist and buy a laptop under 30000 for study and professional purposes. mPokket helps you buy your dream laptop through an instant loan app. Being the best personal loan apps in India, we lend you Rs. 500 up to Rs. 50,000 directly into your bank account.

Wedding season in India is around the corner! Chic décor, thumping music, lavish spreads, and pretty dresses get your excitement levels at an all-time high. But before the wedding party fun begins, comes the pressure of finding a perfect wedding gift within your budget.

The ideal gifts for married couples must match their personality and interests. We have curated a list of best wedding gifts under 20000 to leave you with more time for planning the wedding. Quirky, unusual, and memorable - these gifts are surely going to be loved by the newlyweds.

Wedding Gifts ranging from eccentric to memorable

1. Bookends: One of the best gift ideas for couples who are bookworms. Help them flaunt their collection of books in style. Bookends come in a pair to support books and hold them in place. They come in a variety of designs and double up as stylish showpieces for shelves of any room of a house. You can choose anything from antique to quirky. Bookends are a great gift as they look great in any space. They can match the décor of the couple's new house, or maybe in striking contrast to it. Ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 12,000 it is going to be the best wedding gift for the couple if either of them is an avid reader.

2. French press: You may doubt this one, but trust us, it is the most useful and unique gift for a coffee-loving couple. Be a part of their mornings as they are bound to thank you each day for gifting them the best brew ever. It is the most inexpensive way to prepare the yummiest coffee using a handful of coffee grounds. Coffee connoisseurs dote over the flavor of a French press brew as the entire flavor from the grounds is absorbed. You can buy a nice French press in the range of INR 2,000 to 18,000.

3. Bar Cabinet: A must-have piece of storage for every wine lover's home. Being an unusual wedding gift, you can be sure of not giving them something the couple might have already received. The newlyweds would love to welcome a great bar set up in their new nest. Do a bit of research to know what would suit the design of their house and pick an option ranging from one built-in solid wood to one made of engineered wood. It is one of the perfect gifts for married couples, and you can pick one in the range of INR 3,000 to INR 20,000.

4. Wine Tasting Tour: Wedding preparations and functions become a tiring affair, and by the end of it all the couple wishes for some lone time together. A wine tasting tour is one of the most memorable wedding gifts under 20,000. The bride and groom will thank you in their heads as they sniff, swirl and sip their favorite wines. A fun day at any of the world-class wineries in India will cost anywhere between INR 3,500 to INR 10,000 per person.

5. Lanterns: Home décor items are the best wedding gifts ever. Newlyweds are always excited about the new home they are setting up together, and lanterns are a great way to decorate it. Lanterns would add a rustic charm to their house, and you will be secretly blessing them with positivity. They make stellar showpieces and are a good gifting option. You can pick something to light up their new life together in the range of INR 2,000 to 10,000 depending upon the material you choose. Lanterns made of metal, glass, wood, and porcelain are available in remarkable designs.

6. Luggage: The most useful gift for married couple who love to travel. Excite the globe trotters with fancy luggage. Gift them high-quality suitcases in colors and patterns that match their personality. This gift will make their trips together more memorable. According to your budget, you can pick a single piece or a set of suitcases. Several customizations like the monogram of their initials or a personalized skin can be added for a unique touch. Durable travel bags from good brands are available starting INR 5,000.

7. Crystal Showpieces: Classy and elegant crystal showpieces are the perfect wedding gifts for couples under 5,000. A memorable gift that will adorn their house and remind them of their special day for years to come. Crystal showpieces can also be personalized with the names of the newlyweds and their wedding dates to make them even more special. There are several options to choose from, like champagne bottles, flutes, lamps, paperweights, and plaques.

8. Live Plants: You can gift the newlyweds a collection of easy-to-maintain live plants to decorate their new home. When confused and tight on budget, vibrant potted plants are the perfect wedding gifts for 10,000 rupees. Besides being good for the environment plants are the perfect décor for any house as they add a refreshing vibe to each corner. You can pick a piece of nature for each room of their house and pair it with quirky planters to match up.

9. Subscription Box: A personalized subscription box is a unique wedding gift for couples in India. You can pick one each for the bride and the groom. You will need to research their product preferences before you book the subscription. Pick a collection of products they love and create a personalized beauty box, spa kit, or food hamper. A great gift hamper would cost between INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 per person.

10. Couple Watches: Wrap up the gift of time for the newlyweds. A couple watch set tops the list of classic wedding gifts. These similar-looking timepieces will strengthen their bond over the years as they flaunt them together. You can find sets starting at INR 7,000 and others costing a little above INR 20,000.

Get instant personal loans to gift this wedding season.

Wedding gifts are special for everyone and so put in that extra effort to find the perfect one. Your gift will always remind the couple of your thoughtfulness each time they use it. Try to pick one that will put a smile on their face and not get lost in the heap.

mPokket provides instant personal loans to help you shop for the best gift for marriage of your closest friends and relatives. Download India's best instant loan app from Google Playstore to get an instant personal loan online. You can get up to Rs.50,000 directly into your bank account.

In recent years, women have been making a greater impact in society. Empowered by the wide variety of roles they are playing in arenas like politics, defense, sports, IT, and business. The world has changed and so have women. They are not just earning money but taking the power to invest it in their hands.

The change has been accelerated during the COVID-19 crisis. As the world grappled against an unprecedented economic-crisis, women stepped up to financially support themselves and their families. Women prefer buying traditional assets such as gold, while some may invest money in either fixed deposits or tax-saving mutual funds. But, due to the pandemic, the return on these became less attractive while on the other hand, the capital market crashed. Owing to the plunge, stocks of many large-cap and fundamentally strong companies were available at heavily discounted valuations. It was a great time for first-time investors to enter the market and make gains during the volatility.

This International Women's Day we take a moment to applaud and strengthen the efforts of Indian women towards a better society. Here is an overview of how women have resorted to investing and trading in the capital markets in the year gone by.

Recent Trends

1. The pandemic pushed families across the world to recalculate their budgets. The focus shifted from saving to investment and spending patterns changed considerably. Women stepped in to offer an additional source of income through stock market trading. According to data released by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), around 9 million new DEMAT accounts have been opened since April 2020. (Source)
2. The customer base of major brokerage houses has grown up to 4x compared to the pre-COVID level. Most of their new customers are millennials and a significant percentage of them are females. (Source).
3. Women from various backgrounds and even low-income brackets supported their families. They tried their hands-on mobile trading to ensure financial security amidst pay cuts and layoffs of other earning members. Top brokerages reported a five-fold growth in account opening by females in 2020, with approximately 61 percent of them being first-time customers and 30 percent of them being housewives. (Source)
4. Participation of females in managing assets, saving, and investing wasn't restricted to metro cities only. Reportedly females from tier 2, 3, and 4 are taking to investing more than their male counterparts.

Traits that make women better investors

Women in India are considered to be more influenced by saving than investing. But the recent developments show a different trend. Portfolios of female investors have outperformed when compared to those of males. The main traits that women possess as great investors are:

1. Consistency: The investment patterns of females indicate they are more steady investors than men. Their decisions are well planned and distributed throughout the year, unlike seasonal and last-minute decisions of men resulting in only taxation savings.
2. Risk consciousness: Women are more risk-conscious but that shouldn't be mistaken for aversion. A recent trend shows that they have taken calculated risks in the volatile markets and utilized the opportunity to the fullest.
3. Future planning: Females are considerably adept at visualizing and planning for the future of their families. They go to great lengths to ensure the wellbeing of their families and have even started making financial decisions to secure the future of their loved ones.
4. Negotiation skills: Women possess inherent negotiation skills that come in handy while trading and investing in the stock market. They are taking high-risk decisions and earning good returns on their cash.
5. Acknowledgment: This is an important trait noticed in females. It is their ability to realize and research things that they don't know. It saves their portfolio from suffering as they are open to recognizing and rectifying their investment mistakes.

How to join the bandwagon

It is the best time to take your money matters into your own hands. Top brokerages and market regulators are making high-quality tutorials under their investor education initiatives. Leverage the power of digital platforms to learn and try your hand in the capital markets. Here is a step by step process to help you start your journey in the stock market:

1. Select your process- You can invest in stocks on your own or opt for expert guidance through financial advisors.
2. Set a goal- Don't expect quick returns from your investment, set a goal and invest for the long-term.
3. Open an investing account- You will need a Demat and trading account to start investing. Select a brokerage firm that meets your needs for account opening.
4. Set a budget for yourself- Calculate your investment amount according to your goal and budget.
5. Get familiar with stock market basics- Read or watch tutorials related to the basics of stock market investing. Even if you decide to invest through a financial advisor, understanding the basics will be helpful for you.
6. Invest and keep track- Once you start investing, you must keep track of your portfolio and ensure it is in line with your goals.

Take the Leap

Start investing today and capitalize your money. Always remember mPokket has your back for all your little needs. In case of an urgent requirement or just to give yourself a little surprise this International Women's Day you can download India's best Instant loan app from Google Play Store. An instant loan of INR 500 to 50,000 will be credited straight to your bank account whenever you need it.