How To Build A Rs 50 Lakh Equity Portfolio By Age 50 If You Start At 35 — Even With A Modest Salary

Building a Rs 50 lakh equity portfolio by the age of 50- even if you start at 35 with a modest salary is entirely achievable with the right discipline, a clear strategy, and an honest understanding of your risk appetite. But an equally important question to ask is- will Rs 50 lakh be enough?

Adjusted for 6% inflation, that corpus is worth just Rs 21 lakh in today's terms, translating to around Rs 10,000 in monthly income; for many, that won't be sufficient. You may need to aim for a higher corpus, consider a longer horizon till 65, or invest in upgrading your income potential.

Building a Rs. 50 lakh portfolio in 15 years sounds like the easiest thing to do, but only on paper. Technically, all it takes is investing Rs. 15,000* through a monthly SIP in a good equity fund. However in reality, building a corpus requires patience and belief in the process you have chosen to follow.

Staying consistent for 15 years is not easy and it takes a lot of focus and discipline. There will be phases when markets dip, returns look disappointing or life throws other financial priorities your way. That is when most people lose steam. The ones who stay the course are the ones who eventually reach their goals, in this case Rs. 50 Lakhs in 15 years.

The key to building a strong portfolio isn't about crunching numbers, chasing the best-performing funds or having the top performing funds in your portfolio. It is about choosing resilience over excitement, discipline over emotion and goals over ad-hoc, returns driven investing behaviour.

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Users can use SIP and ETF calculators on platforms like Groww or Zerodha Coin to model their contributions, and stay alert to market corrections with apps like ET Money or Tickertape for well-timed lump-sum buys. By blending systematic plans, diversification and automation, achieving a Rs 50 lakh portfolio by age 50 is well within reach even on a modest salary.

Building a Rs 50 lakh equity portfolio by the age of 50 is not a dream reserved only for high-income earners-it's a realistic goal even for those with modest salaries, provided they start early, stay consistent, and invest smartly. The magic lies in compounding, discipline, and patience. Starting at 35 gives you a 15-year runway. Even if you invest as little as Rs 10,000 per month in a diversified equity mutual fund with an average return of 12% per annum, you could surpass the Rs 50 lakh mark comfortably by age 50.

Expert Recommendation 1

"Building a corpus of Rs 50 lakhs over 15 years-starting at age 35-requires a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 13%. A practical and disciplined way to pursue this goal is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) of Rs 10,000 per month for 15 years," stated Mr. Gaurav Goel, (Entrepreneur and SEBI Registered Investment Advisor).

Wealth creation through equity markets demands belief, composure, discipline, patience, and the ability to tune out market noise. These qualities become especially important when pursuing long-term financial goals.

Historical performance of indices like the Nifty and Sensex suggests that such outcomes are achievable using this strategy. However, equity markets are inherently volatile, and returns are not guaranteed. Investors must consider market risks carefully and ensure investments align with their individual risk appetite and financial goals.

As per Gaurav Goel, Mr. A, a 35-year-old professional with an annual take-home salary of Rs 12 lakhs, has an aggressive risk profile and a solid understanding of equity markets. His goal is to accumulate Rs 50 lakhs by the time he turns 50. To achieve this, he commits Rs 2,500 per month into each of the following:

• Nippon India Large Cap Fund
• Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund
• Quant Large & Mid Cap Fund
• Nifty Bees ETF

He plans to stay invested for the full 15 years. Based on historical trends, his chosen strategy gives him a strong probability of achieving his target corpus-provided he remains consistent and disciplined in his approach.

Expert Recommendation 2

"For a moderate risk investor, saving Rs 22,500 per month and investing in Nifty ETFs and large-cap mutual funds with 100% equity exposure could yield the target corpus at 12% post-tax returns. A more aggressive investor can get there with just Rs 8,200 per month, assuming 15%+ returns via mid- and small-cap oriented funds. On the other hand, a conservative 50:50 equity-debt strategy would require Rs 14,800 monthly at 8% returns, and an ultra-conservative one (25:75 equity-debt) would need Rs 18,900 per month at 5%," commented Rohit Beri, CEO & CIO, ArthAlpha.

Taxation plays a big role- mutual funds and ETFs defer taxes until redemption, which should be leveraged smartly. Balanced Advantage Funds are effective in reducing tax burdens in conservative strategies, and low-cost ETFs should be preferred for large-cap exposure.

"Ideally, back yourself with a process-driven approach to investing. Let it be a simple mix of science, goals and expertise coming together to help you make the right investing decisions. The science helps you get the maths right, your goals give you purpose and an expert by your side ensures you stay on track and don't lose sight of the path you started out on," stated Mayank Bhatnagar, Co-Founder & COO, FinEdge.

Expert Recommendation 3

"Achieving a Rs 50 lakh equity portfolio over a 15-year horizon demands consistent monthly investing and prudent diversification. However, due to inflation, the real value of Rs 50 lakh today would equate to approximately Rs 1.2 crore in 15 years. To preserve purchasing power, investors should target this inflation-adjusted corpus. Assuming a 14% annual return-based on the Nifty 50's average returns since inception-a monthly SIP of Rs 19,809 can help achieve this goal. The journey requires discipline, consistency, and a focus on diversification, asset selection, and staying resilient through market volatility," said Abhinav Bohra, Fintech Specialist and Research Curator at an Investment Advisory Firm.

Staying disciplined is critical- missing SIPs in the early years hurts compounding. Volatility is part of the journey, so one shouldn't panic during downturns; while staying the course.

Expert Recommendation 4

"Start with a SIP into a diversified portfolio mix of index funds, including large cap, midcap, and small cap funds. Assuming an average annual return of 12% from equity mutual funds, you'd need to invest around Rs 10,000-Rs 11,000 per month for 15 years to reach your Rs 50 lakh goal. Alternatively, you can start with Rs 6,500 and increase contributions annually. You can start small if necessary, but please aim to increase your SIP amount by 10% every year. Last but not least, stay invested and avoid panic selling-as equities are volatile in the short term. Avoid withdrawing prematurely and stay focused on the long-term goal," said Ishkaran Chhabra, Founding Partner & Chief Investment Counsellor at Centricity WealthTech.

Hence, with discipline, patience, and the right asset allocation, even an average earner can build significant wealth over time. Start early, stay consistent, and let compounding do the heavy lifting.

Expert Recommendation 5

Building a Rs 50 lakh equity portfolio in 15 years is achievable even with a modest salary, provided there's discipline, consistency, and smart investment planning.

"Assuming an average annual return of 12% from equity mutual funds, one needs to invest approximately Rs 10,500 per month via SIPs to reach the target. The key lies in proper asset allocation. Diversify your monthly SIPs across four categories: Rs 3,000 in small-cap, Rs 2,500 each in mid-cap, multi-cap, and flexi-cap funds. This helps balance risk and returns while riding out market volatility. Avoid direct stock picking and sectoral or thematic funds in the beginning, as they carry higher risk and require active monitoring," recommended Swapnil Aggarwal Director VSRK Capital.

"Review your portfolio at least once a year. Most importantly, focus on increasing your income by upgrading your skills, and avoid unnecessary debt or credit card traps. Small, consistent steps can lead to long-term wealth creation," he further added.

Expert Recommendation 6

"Investing Rs 10,000 monthly at an average return of 12% annually can grow to approximately Rs 50 lakh in 15 years, thanks to compounding. However, it is essential that the portfolio remains well diversified to mitigate risks as well. Suppose you commit Rs 6,000 each month to a broad-based equity SIP earning an average 12% annualized return; over 15 years, that alone can grow to roughly Rs 31 lakh. Simultaneously, directing Rs 2,000 monthly into low-cost equity ETFs at a 10% return rate adds about Rs 6 lakh to your corpus. To bridge the gap, contribute a Rs 1 lakh lump sum each year, ideally purchased during market dips, into mid-cap or thematic funds targeting 12% returns, which can amount to another Rs 12 lakh," said Ingood - CEO & Co-Founder- Rohit Raj Chauhan.

"Together these investments total approximately Rs 49 lakh; modest dividend reinvestment or occasional bonus-driven top-ups will carry you past Rs 50 lakh. Diversify by allocating 60% to large-cap funds, 20% to mid-caps, 10% to international equities via global ETFs and 10% to thematic or gold ETFs, and rebalance semi-annually to maintain your risk profile. By blending systematic plans, diversification and automation, achieving a Rs 50 lakh portfolio by age 50 is well within reach even on a modest salary," he further added.

Expert Recommendation 7

"Let's consider the case of Ajay Pal, a 35-year-old earning Rs 50,000 per month. His goal is clear: to accumulate at least Rs 50 lakh by the time he turns 50. With just 15 years to go and limited income, equities - despite being high-risk - are realistically the only asset class that can offer the required growth. For illustration purposes, let's assume an average annual equity return of 12%. If one were to assume lower returns, say 10%, the savings required would naturally increase," said Dr. Vikas V. Gupta, CEO & Chief Investment Strategist, OmniScience Capital.

As per Vikas V. Gupta, here are the 3 approaches to achieve the goal.

Approach 1: Start Small, Stay Consistent

Ajay begins investing Rs 10,000 per month (20% of his salary) in a systematic investment plan (SIP) in equity mutual funds. Over 15 years, this monthly SIP, compounded at 12% annually, grows to Rs 47.5 lakh. If he adds an initial lumpsum investment of Rs 1 lakh, which grows to around Rs 5.5 lakh in the same period, his total corpus reaches approximately Rs 53 lakh. A disciplined and consistent investor can thus comfortably cross the Rs 50 lakh target with this approach.

Approach 2: Lower SIP, Add Step-Up Increases

Suppose Ajay is only able to save 10% of his income, i.e., Rs 5,000 per month. To bridge the gap, he uses a step-up SIP strategy - increasing his SIP amount by 10% every year. In addition, he invests a lumpsum of Rs 2 lakh, which grows to about Rs 11 lakh in 15 years. The step-up SIP contributes approximately Rs 41 lakh, bringing the total to around Rs 52 lakh. This approach is ideal for those who expect their income to grow steadily and can commit to increasing their savings annually.

Approach 3: Flat SIP Without Lumpsum

Let's consider a more basic route. If Ajay commits to a flat Rs 10,000 monthly SIP without any initial lumpsum investment, he will still reach close to Rs 54.7 lakh by age 50, assuming the 12% return remains consistent throughout.

Each of these strategies proves that even on a modest income, long-term equity investing can help achieve substantial wealth. The key lies in starting early, staying consistent, and allowing your investments to compound over time. Tools like step-up SIPs, one-time investments, and equity discipline can bridge the gap between limited income and ambitious goals.

Ultimately, the journey to financial independence isn't about how much you earn - it's about how wisely you invest.

Expert Recommendation 8

"Begin by investing just Rs 10,000 per month in equity mutual funds or index funds. With a disciplined annual step-up of 5-7%-aligned with your salary growth-and assuming long-term equity returns of 11-12%, you're on track to reach Rs 50 lakhs in 15 years. Factor in occasional bonuses or windfalls directed toward your portfolio, and you might even touch Rs 70-75 lakhs. At Tailwind, we believe that real financial freedom begins with clarity and commitment-not a crore-plus salary. The earlier you start, the better-but it's never too late to begin," commented Mr. Vivek Goel, Joint Managing Director, Tailwind Financial Services.

Expert Recommendation 9

"If you're 35 today, take home about Rs 70k a month, and have Rs 1.5 lakh parked in savings, a Rs 50 lakh equity pot by age 50 is a realistic target. Put that lump-sum to work right away in a broad-based equity fund, then treat Rs 20 k a month like a mandatory bill to your future self: direct roughly 75 % into low-cost index or large-cap funds for steady growth, 10-15 % into safer debt (EPF, PPF, or NPS), and the rest into a few high-conviction stocks for extra upside," commented Ajay Lakhotia, Founder and CEO, StockGro.

"Assuming equities compound around 11-12 % a year and debt earns about 7 %, a simple annual rebalance and a small SIP bump whenever your salary rises should see you comfortably clear the Rs 50 lakh mark-likely far more. Wrap the plan with a term policy, good health cover, and a six-month emergency fund so you never have to break the compounding cycle. Ignore noise, stay consistent, and let time and discipline do the heavy lifting," Ajay Lakhotia further added.

Expert Recommendation 10

Here are two strategies recommended by Sanket Prabhu, Director, Finhaat Wealth, to build a Rs 50 lakh equity portfolio by age 50, starting at 35, even with a modest salary:

• Strategy 1: Consistent Monthly SIP of Rs 9,900
• Strategy 2: Initial Monthly SIP of Rs 7,700 with Annual Step-Up of 5%

Over a 15-year investment horizon, and assuming a realistic 12% annual return, either of these contribution patterns in an equity mutual fund can help achieve the target corpus. For an investor at 35 with financial responsibilities, a large-cap scheme is generally recommended due to its relative stability, though clients can choose from other categories of equity mutual fund based on the willingness to take additional risk. Crucially, both strategies assume no withdrawals will occur during the entire investment period, allowing the power of compounding to maximize returns and reach the desired Rs 50 lakh goal.

Expert Recommendation 11

"I suggest aiming for a 70:30 equity allocation. In other words, keep about 70% of your portfolio in equity mutual funds or direct stocks, and the rest in debt or hybrid options. It's important to note that instruments such as large-cap index funds can help strengthen your investment base, while mid-cap and flexi-cap funds can help grow your capital, and PPF can add safety. As you get older, your allocation toward debt should increase. Perhaps allocating 80% in equity in your late 30s, 70% in your early 40s, and 60% as you near 50 could be ideal," said VLA Ambala, sebi registered analyst and co-founder, stock market today.

"However, if your goal is to hit the INR 50 lakh mark, avoid a few traps from the beginning. Firstly, don't wait for a better paycheck. Next, make it a point not to dip into your investments for short-term needs. Above all, don't rely solely on PPFs and FDs, as they may not help you beat inflation. If you want to keep costs low, consider choosing direct mutual fund plans and automating SIPs to build investment discipline. However, don't forget to review your investment portfolio regularly to understand what's working and what can be modified," Ambala further added.

Expert Recommendation 12

"A Rs 50 lakh equity corpus by 50 is absolutely doable even if you start at 35 with a modest income, say Rs 40,000-Rs 50,000 per month, provided you give it time and consistency. For instance, if you invest Rs 10,000 monthly in an equity mutual fund SIP from age 35 to 50, that is 15 years and assume a 12% CAGR (which is fair for equity over the long term), you land close to Rs 50 lakh. Now, add a 10% annual SIP step-up (in line with salary hikes), and your corpus can comfortably cross Rs 65 lakh. This is not theory, this is math. And more importantly, this is a habit," said Trivesh D, COO Tradejini.

"Let's say Meena, a schoolteacher in Bhopal earning Rs 45,000, starts a Rs 10,000 SIP in a diversified equity fund. She skips that new phone, reduces weekend eating out, and instead automates her investments. Her financial journey will look very different at 50 compared to someone who waits for a perfect salary. The trick is not to stop. Don't pause SIPs during market downturns, that's when you are buying equities at lower valuations. Think of 2020, when people who stayed invested saw dramatic gains just a year later. Volatility isn't the enemy, hesitation is. Also, keep your costs low. Use direct mutual fund plans, avoid frequent switching, and don't chase 'hot' themes or tips. What you need is an equity-first mindset, a basic financial plan, and a long horizon. And yes, a modest monthly commitment," Trivesh D further recommended.

Expert Recommendation 13

"Start by setting a clear goal and timeline - Rs 50 lakh in 15 years is a great beginning. But protect your plan with an emergency fund so your investments remain untouched during crises. You may aim for higher returns but may not have the ability or willingness to bear the volatility. Assess your risk profile and align asset allocation accordingly. Many become defensive in bear markets and overconfident in bull runs - both lead to poor outcomes," said Shrivallabh Patil, CFA - Associate Director at Sapient Finserv Private Limited.

"Long term is less about time horizon and more about flexibility. Imagine you planned for the 50 L equity portfolio back in Mar 2005 with a deadline in Mar 2020, you would be highly disappointed with the outcome. If you have defined use for the funds then it needs to be moved to safer assets closure to the deadline else have a flexible time horizon," Shrivallabh added.

Expert Recommendation 14

"Many assume that building a Rs 50 lakh investment portfolio requires a hefty salary but even with a monthly income of Rs 35,000-Rs 40,000, it's absolutely achievable through early, smart planning. If you start at age 35 and consistently invest Rs 7,500 a month via SIPs , split equally across a Small Cap Fund, a Multi Cap Fund, and a Balanced Advantage Fund - you can reach Rs 50 lakh in 15 years, assuming a 15% annual return. That's just Rs 13.5 lakh invested over time, growing through the power of compounding. And the story doesn't end there," said Abhishek Bhilwaria, Financial advisor & CEO - Bhilwaria MF.

"Let that Rs 50 lakh stay invested for another 10 years, with no new investments, it can grow to Rs 2 crore by the time you're 60. Now, if you begin withdrawing Rs 2 lakh every month as part of a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) after retirement, you could pull out Rs 4.8 crore over 20 years and still be left with Rs 9 crore in your portfolio. This isn't wishful thinking - it's disciplined, long-term investing. Start small, stay invested, and let compounding quietly build you a future that's both financially secure and inflation-proof," Abhishek Bhilwaria added.

Expert Recommendation 15

"Achieving a Rs 50 lakh equity portfolio over a 15-year horizon demands consistent monthly investing and prudent diversification. However, due to inflation, the real value of Rs 50 lakh today would equate to approximately Rs 1.2 crore in 15 years. To preserve purchasing power, investors should target this inflation-adjusted corpus. Assuming a 14% annual return-based on the Nifty 50's average returns since inception-a monthly SIP of Rs 19,809 can help achieve this goal. The journey requires discipline, consistency, and a focus on diversification, asset selection, and staying resilient through market volatility," stated Abhinav Bohra, Fintech Specialist and Research Curator at an Investment Advisory Firm.

Expert Recommendation 16

"By starting a monthly SIP of Rs 10,000 in equity mutual funds, assuming a 12% annual return, an investor can reach the target comfortably. Even if starting small, say with an SIP of Rs 6000 per month, gradually increasing SIPs by 10-15% annually can help bridge the gap. Allocating 70% to equities, 20% to PPF or NPS, and 10% to gold or fixed income balances growth and safety. Bonuses and salary hikes should be directed toward increasing investments rather than lifestyle upgrades. Avoiding high-interest debt and maintaining an emergency fund are key. Regular portfolio reviews and staying invested during market downturns are essential. Ultimately, consistency and incremental savings - even from a modest income - can compound into significant long-term wealth with time and patience," recommended Achin Goel, PMS Fund Manager at Bonanza Group.

You Don't Need a High Salary to Build Wealth-Just These Smart Habits

"The key is to automate investments via SIPs, avoid panic-selling during market downturns, and steadily increase your investment amount as your income grows. Reinvesting dividends, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and resisting the temptation of short-term gains can accelerate your journey. It's also important to periodically review and rebalance your portfolio based on your goals and risk appetite," recommended Dario Schiraldi Deutsche Bank's former MD.

Equity markets reward time and consistency, not timing and speculation. Even if you start late, it's never too late to start. Every rupee invested wisely today can become your financial security tomorrow. A modest income is never a barrier to wealth-only inaction is. - Financial freedom isn't about how much you earn, but how consistently you invest what you have.

"From the age of 35, even on a modest income, you could lay the foundation for a Rs 50 lakh equity portfolio by age 50 - not by luck, but by consistently investing, staying patient, avoiding flashy shortcuts, and trial and error. Every SIP you skip today is a compromise on your future freedom. Wealth is not built overnight; it's built every month, in silence, while others spend on showing off. Start small, stay steady, and remember: time in the market beats timing the market. "Financial independence is earned, not gifted," quoted by Kirang Gandhi Pune-based Financial Mentor.

Conclusion

A diversified portfolio spread across 3-4 well-chosen mutual funds (preferably from different Asset Management Companies to reduce fund house concentration risk) and/or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) can help achieve this objective.

Above all, consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor, diversify across funds, and ensure you're covered with term and health insurance. Age 35 is still young- this is the time to invest not just in markets, but in yourself to grow your income and financial confidence.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations expressed are solely those of the individual analysts or entities and do not reflect the views of GoodReturns.in or Greynium Information Technologies Private Limited (together referred as “we”). We do not guarantee, endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any content, nor do we provide any investment advice or solicit the purchase or sale of securities. All information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should be independently verified from licensed financial advisors before making any investment decisions.