How to Start Investing With a Low Salary in India (2025 Guide)
A practical guide to building wealth even with a small monthly income — SIPs, budgeting, PPF, and essential money habits.
Start With a Small, Fixed Monthly Amount
You don’t need large savings to begin investing. Even ₹500–₹1,000 monthly can grow significantly with long-term compounding. What matters is consistency.
Build a Budget That Works
If your income is limited, follow this simplified approach:
- 60% — Needs
- 20% — Wants
- 20% — Savings / Investments
If 20% feels high, start with 5–10% and increase slowly.
Create an Emergency Fund First
Save 1–3 months of expenses before investing aggressively. Keep it in a savings account, liquid fund, or sweep account for safety.
Begin With SIPs (Perfect for Small Salary)
SIPs allow you to invest small amounts automatically. Start with:
- Nifty 50 Index Fund
- Large-cap Index Fund
- Flexi-cap Fund
Estimate returns using our SIP Calculator.
Use PPF for Stable, Long-term Saving
Even ₹500/month in PPF builds safe, tax-free wealth over 15 years.
Avoid High-risk Investments
Skip intraday trading, options, penny stocks, crypto, and short-term speculation. Your goal is stability and long-term growth.
Increase SIP Every 6 Months
When salary increases, raise your SIP by 5–10%. Small increments have massive long-term impact.
Use the Right Tools
Plan better using: