Investing
SIP for beginners
A starter checklist for first-time SIP investors in India—goals, amount, risk and common mistakes.
7 min read · Updated August 2026
Start with the goal, not the product
Write the goal (emergency buffer, house down payment, retirement), time horizon and monthly surplus. Only then pick a risk level. Short horizons usually need lower equity exposure.
Common beginner mistakes
- Stopping SIPs after a short market dip
- Assuming calculator returns are guaranteed
- Ignoring expense ratios and tax on withdrawals
- Starting large SIPs before an emergency fund exists
A calm first setup
Automate a modest SIP you can sustain for years, review annually, and use calculators to explore “what if” ranges—not to chase a perfect forecast.
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Educational content from Aaru Wealth. Not investment, tax or legal advice.