Fund Choices by Income Bracket – What Should You Choose?

Introduction

Not everyone needs the same mutual fund. A ₹30,000/month earner and a ₹2,00,000/month earner will likely have different priorities, risk appetites, and timelines. Matching your fund choice with your income bracket helps you align your goals, liquidity needs, and risk exposure.

Let’s explore how mutual fund selection can vary across income levels — with a story of three friends: Neha, Rakesh, and Abhinav.

19/06/2025

Fund Choices

Low Income (₹20,000 – ₹50,000/month)

Fund Choice: Focus on Liquid Funds and Short Duration Debt Funds for emergencies, and Conservative Hybrid Funds for small SIPs.

Goal: Build savings cushion + SIP discipline.

These options offer low risk and help form financial habits.

Middle Income (₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000/month)

Fund Choice: Begin SIPs in Flexi Cap, Large & Mid Cap, and Aggressive Hybrid Funds.

Goal: Combine long-term wealth creation with moderate volatility.

Great balance of growth and diversification.

High Income (₹1,50,000+/month)

Fund Choice: Add Mid/Small Cap, International Funds, and Thematic Funds for alpha generation.

Goal: Maximize returns, optimize tax, and diversify globally.

Suitable for investors with higher surplus and long-term view.

Real-Life Example: Neha, Rakesh, and Abhinav

  • Neha, earning ₹35K/month, started with a ₹1,000 SIP in a conservative hybrid fund + ₹500/month in a liquid fund. After 3 years, she had ₹58,000 saved.
  • Rakesh, earning ₹90K/month, split ₹6,000/month into a flexi cap and an aggressive hybrid. His 5-year SIP grew to ₹5.1 lakhs with 11.2% CAGR.
  • Abhinav, earning ₹2.5L/month, invested ₹20K/month across international, mid-cap, and sectoral funds. In 4 years, his portfolio grew to ₹12.7 lakhs with 13.5% CAGR.


Key Takeaways

Income Bracket Investment Strategy
Income Bracket Fund Types Preferred Risk Level Primary Goal
Low (₹20K-₹50K) Liquid, Short-Term Debt, Conservative Hybrid Low Build safety net + SIP habit
Middle (₹50K-₹1.5L) Flexi Cap, Large & Mid Cap, Aggressive Hybrid Medium Balanced growth
High (₹1.5L+) Mid/Small Cap, International, Thematic, Tax Savers (ELSS) High Alpha generation + diversification

Conclusion

Mutual funds aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your income affects your ability to take risk, invest more, and stay consistent. Match your funds to your bracket and scale up wisely as income grows.


Start where you are — even a ₹500 SIP in the right fund can set the tone for a disciplined financial journey. Assess your income, pick the right mix, and grow step by step.


Summary Table: Fund Choice by Income Bracket

Income Bracket Investment Performance
Income Bracket Avg. Return (CAGR) Avg. Risk (Volatility) Avg. Investor Behaviour
Low (₹20K-₹50K) 5% - 7% Low Conservative, consistent savers
Middle (₹50K-₹1.5L) 9% - 11% Medium SIP-focused, moderate volatility
High (₹1.5L+) 11% - 14% High Aggressive, multi-fund allocation

Dr. Satish Vadapalli
Research Analyst