“Data is like garbage. You’d better know what you are going to do with it before you collect it.”

(Source: Unknown)

In the past, building a corpus of wealth over time was considered a far-fetched dream for a middle-class salaried employee. Only a select few succeeded with strict and disciplined savings. But today, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have made it possible for salaried employees to dream of and aim to achieve a substantial corpus over time, thanks to the power of compounding.

It was hot in the last week of June: 32°C in Zurich, 35°C in Milan and a scorching 40°C in Athens. I was in the thick of it, travelling across Europe for a sales roadshow. Ironically, Mumbai’s Monsoon offered far more pleasant weather. The European summer heat mirrored the heat in global conversations around policies, investments and uncertainties.

For many people investing for the first time, a 250 rupees SIP may feel comfortable and accessible. Just by committing to this pocket-friendly amount, you can start on the path of disciplined savings without putting too much stress on your budget. This method works in favour of investors who want to begin investing in an SIP, as it lowers the barrier to entry, making it a more accessible option.

A convenient way to begin investing in mutual funds is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). In fact, you can invest with an SIP starting at just Rs.1,000 per month. This modest yet significant amount can serve as the starting point for your financial journey. Among the many reputable options out there, UTI Mutual Fund is a trusted name, offering investors a chance to begin an SIP investment at 1,000 per month and stay on track with their financial objectives.

SIP at Rs. 500

When you start your investment journey, the first step may be challenging. As today’s new-age investors have a plethora of options to choose from, deciding on a suitable investment approach is crucial. In this regard, a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) provides a simple, affordable and effective mode to invest in mutual funds and grow your wealth over time.

SIP at Rs. 100

Starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) with just ₹100 provides an accessible way to begin investing in mutual funds, making it suitable for first-time investors or those with limited budget. This approach encourages disciplined saving habits and financial inclusion by allowing even those with lower incomes to participate in wealth creation.

The announcement of the reciprocal tariffs by the US administration has roiled markets worldwide. Equities have sold off due to concerns about the outlook for economic growth. We know from experience that lingering uncertainty can cause businesses and consumers to put their decisions regarding investments and consumption on hold.

Inflation, the gradual increase in prices over time, is a persistent economic force that can erode the value of money. For investors, this means that the returns from their portfolios need to outpace inflation to maintain purchasing power. Traditional savings instruments often struggle to keep up with inflationary pressures, leading investors to seek alternative strategies in pursuit of maintaining purchasing power.

Many mutual fund investors discover that there are varied strategies for investing their money, ranging from passive managed strategies to actively managed portfolios. Amongst all that, ‘smart beta’ has come up as a popular middle ground, aiming to offer the best of both worlds. So, when the question of traditional index funds vs smart beta funds arises, why might an investor choose one over the other?