Radhika Gupta calls SIPs the new status symbol for Delhi’s young investors

Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, believes that the true indicator of success in today’s financial landscape should be how much one invests in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), not the number of real estate holdings.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gupta said, “Once upon a time in Delhi NCR, the measure of wealth was how many properties you owned. But now, I’d love to hear young people boast about their monthly SIPs—Meri toh mahine ki 1L ki SIP hai, what about you?”
For years, SIPs have been a core part of Gupta’s financial guidance. She believes that investing regularly in mutual funds through SIPs can help individuals build wealth over time without the need for large upfront capital.
SIPs allow investors to contribute a fixed amount each month to mutual funds, enabling them to take advantage of market fluctuations and grow their money steadily.
Earlier in 2024, Gupta shared a video from behind the scenes at Shark Tank India, urging crew members to consider SIPs as an easy way to begin investing.
She said that this conversation was a reminder of how many people still need to understand the benefits of mutual funds and the simplicity of SIPs. According to her, financial literacy is crucial, and SIPs are a great starting point for those looking to dip their toes into the world of investing.
Gupta’s advocacy for mutual funds goes beyond SIPs. In July 2024, she introduced the idea of “dal-chawal” funds, which she suggests should form the foundation of any investment portfolio.
These funds, named after the staple Indian meal, are designed to be reliable, broad-based investments that offer stability and consistent returns over the long term.
According to Gupta, “dal-chawal” funds should make up 80% of an individual’s portfolio, providing a safe, all-weather option to balance more aggressive or risky investments.
She highlighted specific types of mutual funds, such as balanced advantage and aggressive hybrid funds, as ideal for long-term investors. These funds invest in a mix of stocks and bonds, offering both growth and stability.
Gupta refers to them as “forever funds” due to their ability to endure market changes and deliver consistent returns, making them suitable for investors who want to build wealth steadily without taking on excessive risk.
More people, especially younger generations, are shifting away from traditional wealth-building methods like real estate and are embracing mutual funds and other financial instruments.
With SIPs, investors can start with as little as Rs 500 per month, making it accessible for a wide range of people, from beginners to seasoned investors.
SIPs also offer the benefit of rupee cost averaging, which means that investors buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high.
Over time, this helps in lowering the average cost of investment and can lead to better returns. This flexibility and affordability have made SIPs an attractive option for those looking to grow their money gradually, without needing to time the market or make large one-time investments.