COMPARE 5 PATHWAYS
Five places your money can go
Each option trades off safety, access and growth differently. None is "best". The right mix depends on when you need the money.
A simple order many beginners follow
- 1. Emergency cushion in savings or an FD
- 2. Clear high-interest debt like credit cards
- 3. Regular SIP into a diversified fund
- 4. Explore ETFs or stocks with money you won't need for 7+ years
PATHWAY RANGES
Same money, five paths
Each bar runs from a weak stretch to a strong one. The wider the bar, the less certain the outcome.
₹/month
For how long
Savings account₹9.5L – ₹10.3L (2.5% to 4%/yr)
Fixed deposit (pre-tax)₹11.5L – ₹12.5L (6% to 7.5%/yr)
Mutual funds / SIP (hybrid–equity)₹9.8L – ₹16.1L (3% to 12%/yr)
Gold (ETF / fund)₹7.6L – ₹16.1L (-2% to 12%/yr)
Stocks / equity ETFs₹7.6L – ₹18.1L (-2% to 14%/yr)
White marker: your own money, ₹8,40,000 (₹7,000 × 120 months)
These bands are illustrative assumptions, not historical guarantees or forecasts. Equity can do worse than the low end over short periods, and returns exclude fees, taxes and inflation.
| Option | Volatility | Access | Horizon | Insured / regulated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savings Account | Very low | Instant | Any time | DICGC up to ₹5L/bank |
| Fixed Deposits (FDs) | Very low | Low until maturity | 6 months – 5 years | DICGC up to ₹5L/bank |
| Mutual Funds / SIPs | Medium | 1–3 working days | 3+ years (equity: 5+) | SEBI |
| Gold | Medium | Same day to a few days | 5+ years | ETFs/funds: SEBI |
| Stocks / ETFs | Very high | Same day (T+1 settlement) | 7+ years | SEBI |