Building wealth might seem like a distant dream for people with limited income, but smart investing can make it possible for anyone — even those earning as little as ₹300 a day. Whether you’re a salaried employee or a daily wage labourer, there’s a simple trick that can help you double, triple, or even quadruple your money over time. All it takes is a little patience, consistency, and knowledge of a few basic rules of return.
If you've ever wondered how long it will take for your investment to double, the answer lies in the Rule of 72. This simple mathematical formula helps estimate the number of years it will take for your money to double at a fixed annual return rate.
Formula:
72 ÷ Rate of Return = Years to Double Your Investment
Example:
If an investment offers 8% annual return, then:
72 ÷ 8 = 9 years
That means your money will double in just 9 years.
Doubling isn’t your only goal? You can also triple your money using the Rule of 114.
Formula:
114 ÷ Rate of Return = Years to Triple Your Investment
Example:
With a 10% return, it’ll take:
114 ÷ 10 = 11.4 years
That’s 11 years and 4 months to turn your investment into three times the original amount.
For those aiming to quadruple their money, the Rule of 144 is the one to follow.
Formula:
144 ÷ Rate of Return = Years to Quadruple Your Money
Example:
If your investment earns 12% annually, then:
144 ÷ 12 = 12 years
Your money will become 4x in 12 years.
Even if you earn a small daily wage, say ₹300, you can start saving and investing consistently. Let’s say you invest just ₹500 per month through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).
Assuming an average 12% annual return, here’s what you could achieve:
₹500/month for 20 years = Over ₹5 lakh
₹500/month for 25 years = Around ₹9 lakh or more
This kind of disciplined investing can help even low-income earners build a strong financial foundation over time.
Start early: Time is the biggest ally when it comes to investing.
Be consistent: Even small monthly investments can grow into big amounts.
Know the rules: The formulas of 72, 114, and 144 can help you plan your financial goals better.
Stay patient: Compounding works best when you give your investments enough time to grow.
Avoid shortcuts: Don’t chase quick gains—focus on long-term returns.