Start At 25 And Build ₹10 Crore: Should You Invest ₹19K Monthly Or ₹19 Lakh At Once?

Hero Image
Share this article:
Starting early with financial planning can dramatically shape your retirement future. If you're 25 and already thinking about building a retirement fund of ₹10 crore, you’re on the right track. Whether you choose a disciplined monthly investment or a one-time large outlay, both strategies can lead you to the same destination—provided you stay committed over time. This article delves into how systematic investment plans (SIPs) and lump sum investments can help you achieve a ₹10 crore corpus over 35 years, with expert-backed insights into how to choose what’s right for you.


Understanding SIP And Lump Sum Approaches

According to financial experts, the two most popular ways to invest in mutual funds are through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and lump sum investments. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals—monthly, quarterly, or annually. On the other hand, lump sum investment requires you to invest a significant amount in one go, which then remains invested for a long period.

While SIPs help in developing investment discipline and averaging out market volatility, lump sum investments are beneficial when one has a large surplus at hand and wishes to lock it in for long-term growth.


What Happens If You Start Investing At 25 ?

Starting your investment journey at 25 provides the enormous advantage of time. A longer time horizon means your money gets more opportunities to grow through the power of compounding. This allows you to reach your retirement goal with a relatively lower contribution, as the returns accumulate and reinvest over time.

Experts agree that early investors are better positioned to create large retirement funds, without putting undue pressure on monthly budgets.


Scenario 1: Building ₹10 Crore Through SIP

Let’s consider a scenario where an individual begins a SIP at age 25 and continues for 35 years. If this person invests ₹19,000 monthly, here’s what the outcome could look like:

  • Total Investment Over 35 Years: ₹79.8 lakh

  • Estimated Returns: ₹9.67 crore

  • Maturity Amount: ₹10.47 crore


This approach involves regular contributions, which makes it easier to fit into monthly budgets. Moreover, it gradually builds a strong corpus without needing a large amount upfront.

Scenario 2: Reaching ₹10 Crore Via Lump Sum Investment

Now, suppose the same individual, instead of opting for monthly SIPs, decides to invest a one-time ₹19 lakh at age 25 and holds it for 35 years. Here’s what happens:

  • Total Investment: ₹19 lakh

  • Estimated Returns: ₹9.84 crore

  • Maturity Amount: ₹10.03 crore


This method requires a substantial amount upfront but offers the same financial goal in the long term with a lower overall investment compared to the SIP route.

SIP Or Lump Sum: Which One Should You Choose?

Both investment strategies offer distinct benefits and challenges. The SIP method requires you to contribute regularly, which demands long-term commitment but suits those without immediate large capital. In contrast, lump sum investments are best suited for those who have already accumulated some wealth or have received a windfall.

According to financial planners, SIPs may deliver slightly higher corpus figures over time, thanks to consistent investment and rupee-cost averaging. However, it’s essential to note that the total amount invested via SIPs is much more than that in a lump sum.

Your choice ultimately depends on your financial readiness, risk appetite, and how early you begin investing.

Why Starting Early Makes All The Difference

The most significant factor in both scenarios is time. When you start investing early, compounding does much of the heavy lifting. Even modest amounts invested over decades can accumulate into significant wealth. Whether it’s SIP or lump sum, the earlier you start, the more flexible and achievable your financial goals become.


Experts strongly advise young professionals to not wait for the “right amount” to invest. Even a small SIP started early can grow exponentially over the years.

Choosing between SIP and lump sum isn’t a matter of right or wrong—it’s about aligning your decision with your financial goals and circumstances. If your aim is to build a ₹10 crore retirement corpus by 60, starting at 25 offers multiple manageable paths. The key is consistency, discipline, and sticking to your plan without interruption.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please consult a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. All calculations and projections are based on assumed returns and may vary based on actual market performance.