is how long it would take to build a target corpus of Rs 5 crore by investing Rs 10,000 every month. The BASICS OF PLANNING Before beginning this journey, one must be clear about three things: the amount invested each month, the final target and whether any lump sum will be added alongside the monthly SIPs. These factors together decide the time needed to reach the goal. THE ROLE OF RETURNS For the calculation, a 12% annual rate of return has been assumed, which is a reasonable expectation for long-term equity investments such as mutual funds. The actual returns may vary depending on market performance, but 12% is often used as a benchmark when estimating long-term wealth creation. HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE According to Value Research's SIP calculator, a person investing Rs 10,000 every month at this rate of return would take around 34 years and two months to build a corpus of Rs 5 crore. This is a long journey, but it highlights the power of compounding and patience in wealth building. THE TOTAL INVESTMENT AND GROWTH Over this period of 34 years and two months, the total amount invested would be about Rs 2 crore. The remaining amount, which is over Rs 3 crore, would come purely from the returns generated on the investments. This clearly shows how staying invested for the long term can multiply wealth many times over the original savings. Simply put, while the timeline may seem long, it reinforces the importance of discipline in investing. Even with a modest monthly contribution, consistent SIPs can help investors reach significant financial milestones. For those aiming at big numbers like Rs 5 crore, patience and steady investing are the key.