1. What is a wealth projection?
A wealth projection estimates your future financial corpus based on your current savings, regular contributions, expected returns, and time horizon. It helps you set realistic goals and understand the power of compounding.
📊 Future Value = Current Corpus × (1 + r)^n + SIP × [((1 + r)^n − 1) / r]
2. The compounding effect
Compounding means your returns earn returns. Over long periods, this snowball effect is enormous. Here's how ₹25,000/month grows at 12%:
| Years | Total invested | Projected corpus | Wealth gained |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | ₹30L | ₹58L | ₹28L |
| 20 | ₹60L | ₹2.5Cr | ₹1.9Cr |
| 30 | ₹90L | ₹8.8Cr | ₹7.9Cr |
Notice how the wealth gained accelerates. In the first 10 years, you earn ₹28L on ₹30L invested. In the next 10 years, you earn ₹1.9Cr on the same contribution pattern. The final 10 years add nearly ₹8Cr.
3. Key inputs to your projection
| Input | Typical range | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Expected return | 8-12% for balanced portfolios | Higher return = much larger corpus |
| Time horizon | 10-40 years | Longer = exponentially larger |
| Monthly contribution | 10-30% of income | Direct impact on final corpus |
| Annual step-up | 5-10% | Increases contributions over time |
| Inflation | 5-7% in India | Reduces real value |
4. How to use your projection
- Set goals: Work backwards from your target corpus to find the monthly SIP needed.
- Test scenarios: Try different return rates and time horizons to see the range of outcomes.
- Stay disciplined: The projection assumes consistent investing. Market timing rarely works.
- Review annually: Update your projection as income, expenses, and goals change.
5. Inflation-adjusted returns
A 12% return sounds great, but if inflation is 6%, your real return is only about 5.7%. This is why your projected corpus in "today's money" is much lower than the nominal figure.
⚠️ Always look at both nominal and inflation-adjusted projections. The real value tells you what your corpus can actually buy.
6. Common mistakes
- Overestimating returns: 15%+ returns are not sustainable long-term. Use 10-12% for equity, 6-7% for debt.
- Ignoring inflation: A ₹5Cr corpus in 30 years may be worth only ₹85L in today's money at 6% inflation.
- Stopping SIPs in downturns: Market corrections are when SIPs buy more units. Stay invested.
- No step-up: As income grows, increase contributions. A 5-10% annual step-up makes a huge difference.
- Withdrawing early: Every withdrawal interrupts compounding. Let your corpus grow untouched.
7. Final thoughts
Wealth projection isn't about predicting the future — it's about understanding the variables you control and making informed decisions. The key levers are time, contribution size, and return rate. Focus on what you can control: save consistently, invest wisely, and stay patient.