Life Goals & Financial Milestones — A Complete Planning Guide
Map your big goals and reach them calmly. Use this one‑page guide to set priorities, estimate costs, and choose the right investment mix. Tap a goal below to jump to its plan.
Goal SIP Calculator
Enter a target amount and years for any goal to estimate the monthly SIP. Returns are indicative; adjust by your risk and asset mix.
| Goal | Target Amount (₹) | Years | Expected Return p.a. (%) | Monthly SIP Needed (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — |
Rule of thumb: equity‑heavy goals (>7 years) use 60–80% equity; near‑term goals (<3 years) keep debt‑heavy to avoid volatility.
Emergency Fund
What & Why
Cash buffer for job loss, medical bills, repairs, or legal issues. It prevents costly debt and panic selling.
How Much
6–12 months of essential expenses (higher if self‑employed). Split across savings account + liquid/ultra‑short debt funds.
Where to Invest
- Bank savings/sweep or liquid/ultra‑short funds
- Keep it accessible; avoid lock‑ins and equity risk
Retirement Planning
What & Why
Build a corpus to replace salary for decades. Your future lifestyle depends on today’s choices.
How Much
Target corpus ≈ 25× annual expenses (SWR ~4%). Increase for early retirement or higher inflation.
Where to Invest
- Core: equity index/flexi‑cap funds, growing SIP with 5–10% annual step‑up
- Debt sleeve: PPF, EPF/NPS, high‑quality debt funds
- Glide down risk 5–7 years before retirement
Children’s Education
What & Why
Funding higher education in India/abroad. Costs escalate faster than CPI; plan early.
How Much
Estimate current fees × (1+inflation)years. Use 8–10% education inflation.
Where to Invest
- Far goal (>7 yrs): equity‑heavy SIPs (index/multi‑cap)
- Near goal (<3 yrs): shift to short‑duration debt/TM funds
Children’s Marriage
What & Why
A large, emotional spend. Fix a budget and stick to it — avoid loans.
How Much
Use a conservative target; build via SIP + occasional lumpsums (bonuses, gifts).
Where to Invest
- 5–10 yrs: blend equity & debt (e.g., 60/40)
- <3 yrs: short‑duration debt; avoid equity risk
Buy a House
What & Why
Down‑payment + fees + furnishing. Aim for EMI affordability and DTI < 30%.
How Much
Down‑payment 20–30% of property value + 7–10% for fees. Build with debt‑heavy SIPs to preserve capital.
Where to Invest
- Tenor < 5 yrs: short/medium duration debt, target‑maturity funds
- Avoid equity if horizon < 5 yrs
Buy a Car
What & Why
A depreciating asset. Prefer higher down‑payment and shorter tenure.
How Much
Include insurance/maintenance. Avoid letting EMIs push DTI beyond 30%.
Where to Invest
- 1–3 yrs horizon: recurring deposit / liquid to short‑duration debt funds
- Avoid equity for near‑term purchase
Vacation & Lifestyle Goals
What & Why
Annual/bi‑annual travel, gadgets, or special experiences — planned guilt‑free.
How Much
Set a yearly budget; save monthly via short‑term debt funds or RD.
Where to Invest
- <1–2 yrs goals: liquid/ultra‑short debt or RD
- Reserve credit cards for rewards, not financing
Wealth Creation / Financial Independence
What & Why
Beyond specific milestones, build a corpus that grants freedom of choice (work optional).
How Much
Use the 25× rule (annual expenses × 25) as a starting point; personalise by lifestyle and healthcare plans.
Where to Invest
- Long‑term equity core: broad index + quality active funds
- Risk‑control sleeve: PPF/EPF/NPS, T‑maturity debt
- Rebalance annually; raise SIPs 5–10% each year
How to Use This Page
- Pick a goal from the menu, read its section.
- Use the calculator for your amount & horizon.
- Start SIPs and review annually; move to safer assets as the due date approaches.
Education only; not investment advice. Returns, tax rules, and interest rates change. Choose allocations consistent with your risk tolerance.