Hello Sir. I am 26 years old from Kolkata wants to invest 20k each month in SIPs. I am looking for a long term wealth creation. Could you recommend where to invest, how to invest and whatreturns can I expect?

Ans: It's great to hear that you're interested in investing for the long term. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are indeed a popular way to invest in mutual funds regularly. Here's a suggested approach:

• Choose Mutual Funds: Since you're looking for long-term wealth creation, you should consider investing in equity mutual funds. These funds have the potential to offer higher returns over the long term, although they also come with higher risk compared to debt or hybrid funds. You can diversify your investment across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to spread your risk.
• Select Fund Houses: Look for reputable fund houses with a good track record of delivering consistent returns over the long term. Some of the top mutual fund houses in India include HDFC Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, etc.
• Risk Profile Assessment: Assess your risk tolerance before investing. Since equity funds can be volatile in the short term, it's essential to ensure that you're comfortable with the ups and downs of the market over the long term.
• Investment Allocation: Allocate your monthly SIP investments across different mutual funds based on your risk profile and investment goals. A common strategy is to allocate higher amounts to equity funds for long-term growth and a smaller portion to debt funds for stability.
• Review and Adjust: Periodically review your investments to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. You may need to rebalance your portfolio over time.
• Stay Invested: One of the critical factors in long-term wealth creation is staying invested for the long haul. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Regarding the returns you can expect, it's essential to understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. However, historically, equity mutual funds in India have delivered annualised returns of around 12-15% over the long term (though this can vary widely depending on market conditions).

Keep in mind that while equity investments have the potential for higher returns, they also come with higher volatility and risk. Therefore, it's crucial to have a long-term investment horizon and stay invested through market ups and downs to benefit from the power of compounding.

Before making any investment decisions, it's always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor who can provide personalised advice based on your individual financial situation and goals.