How to Build a Retirement Corpus With Mutual Funds

Retirement is the ultimate long-horizon goal — which makes it perfect for equity mutual funds and the magic of compounding.

Step 1: Estimate the number A rough guide: aim for a corpus that's 25–30× your annual expenses at retirement (the "4% rule" in reverse). Account for inflation — ₹50,000/month today is far more in 25 years.

Step 2: Start early — it's everything Because of compounding, starting at 25 versus 35 can double or triple your final corpus for the same monthly amount. The best time was yesterday; the second best is now.

Step 3: Stay in equity while young With 15–30 years to go, equity funds (flexi-cap, large-cap, index) are your engine. Short-term volatility doesn't matter over decades.

Step 4: Glide to safety near the goal In the last ~5 years before retirement, gradually shift from equity to debt so a market crash right before you retire doesn't derail you.

Tools - Goal planner — find the monthly SIP for your number. - Best retirement funds — long-term-weighted picks. - Discovery wizard — a retirement-matched shortlist.

Use a step-up SIP to raise contributions as your income grows.