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Starting early with clear investment goals can turn a regular salary into extraordinary wealth. With compounding and discipline on your side, even aggressive ambitions like early retirement are well within reach.

And for young Indians, especially women taking charge of their finances, SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) are proving to be the most reliable gateway to long-term financial freedom, Siddhant Garg, a financial expert, noted.

Take the case of 28-year-old Sakshi, who earns Rs 90,000 a month and invests ₹50,000 of it-over 55% of her income-into SIPs. Her approach is bold, focused, and future-proof. With an 8% annual increase in contributions and an expected 14% annual return, her strategy is set to deliver over ₹3.1 crore in just 15 years.

"Women like Sakshi are changing the investing landscape," Garg said. "Her case proves that financial freedom is not a distant dream-it's achievable with the right plan and discipline. She's investing more than half her income consistently, and that's not just rare, it's commendable."

Sakshi's SIP starts at Rs 50,000 per month and increases 8% every year to keep pace with her income. The investments are pegged to long-term equity growth, and with the power of compounding, they are projected to create a sizeable corpus by the time she turns 43. Whether she chooses to retire early, start a business, or simply live on her terms, her goals will be fully funded.

What sets Sakshi apart is her clarity. Instead of waiting for a higher salary or delaying decisions, she focused on starting strong and staying consistent. Financial experts stress that time in the market, not timing the market, is the real differentiator.

"This kind of financial planning is what sets early achievers apart," Garg noted. "People often wait to start until they earn more. Sakshi shows that your mindset and consistency matter far more than income level."

Sakshi's journey also embodies the spirit of FIRE-Financial Independence, Retire Early. Unlike extreme versions that promote frugality, her plan is practical and sustainable. By investing more than 50% of her income and targeting long-term equity returns, she's building real wealth without compromising her lifestyle. If she continues these SIPs beyond 15 years, her corpus could cross Rs 10 crore by the time she turns 60.

In an era where financial anxiety is common, Sakshi's story is a powerful reminder that early, intentional investing is the real key to lifelong freedom.