Plan Today for the Retirement You Want
Retirement can last 25 years or more. Planning early helps you build the corpus you need and turn it into a steady income when your salary stops.
Why Retirement Planning Matters
Most Indians no longer have a defined pension to rely on, and people are living longer. Your savings may need to support you for decades after you stop working, through rising living costs and higher medical expenses.
Retirement planning works out how much you may need, how much to save each month to get there, and how to draw an income from your savings without running out. The earlier you start, the more time compounding has to work for you.
The Building Blocks of a Retirement Plan
Corpus Estimation
Start from your expected monthly expenses in retirement, adjust for inflation to your retirement date and estimate the corpus needed to fund them over your retirement years.
Inflation
Even moderate inflation can significantly raise your living costs over 20 to 30 years. Your plan needs investments that have the potential to grow faster than inflation over time.
Regular Income
In retirement, the goal shifts from growing wealth to generating a dependable income while keeping some growth to keep pace with inflation.
Accumulation vs Distribution
| Aspect | Accumulation Phase | Distribution Phase |
|---|---|---|
| When | Your working years | After you retire |
| Main goal | Build the corpus | Generate income without running out |
| Typical approach | Regular SIPs and contributions, higher growth allocation when far from retirement | Gradual shift towards stability, with a portion kept for growth |
| Key risks | Starting late, under-saving, stopping SIPs in downturns | Longevity, inflation, market falls early in retirement, medical costs |
| Common tools | NPS, PPF, EPF, mutual fund SIPs | SWP from mutual funds, annuities, senior citizen savings options |
Retirement Options in General Terms
NPS and PPF
The National Pension System is a market-linked, regulated pension product with a long lock-in and rules on withdrawals and annuity purchase at exit. PPF is a government-backed long-term savings scheme with a government-set interest rate.
- Long-term, disciplined saving
- Tax benefits as per current law
- Withdrawal rules apply
Mutual Funds and SWP
Mutual fund SIPs can help build the corpus over your working years. In retirement, a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) lets you withdraw a set amount regularly while the rest stays invested. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.
- Flexible contributions and withdrawals
- Choice of equity, hybrid and debt funds
- Withdrawal amount can be reviewed
Annuities
An annuity from a life insurer converts a lump sum into a regular income, often for life. Once bought, the decision is usually irreversible, and the income may not rise with inflation unless you choose that option.
- Income for life options
- Joint-life options for spouses
- Rates depend on age and insurer
Health Cover in Retirement
Medical costs typically rise with age, and employer group cover ends when you retire. Buying an individual health policy while you are younger and healthier, and keeping it renewed, is an important part of any retirement plan.
- Buy before retirement where possible
- Check waiting periods and co-payments
- Consider a top-up or super top-up
Estimate Your Retirement Numbers
Use our retirement calculator to estimate the corpus you may need, and the SWP calculator to see how withdrawals from a corpus might work over time. Bring the results to your conversation with an advisor.
Calculators are educational and use assumptions; actual results will differ.
Retirement Calculator
Estimate your retirement corpus and the monthly saving it may need. Find it at /tools/retirement-calculator.
SWP Calculator
See how regular withdrawals from a corpus might play out over time. Find it at /tools/swp-calculator.
Important Information
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.
WealthBay Private Limited is an AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor (ARN 29566) and helps clients access insurance, annuity and other products through partner insurers and platforms. We are not a SEBI-registered investment adviser.
- Corpus estimates depend on assumptions about inflation, returns and life expectancy; actual outcomes may differ.
- Returns on market-linked investments, including NPS and mutual funds, are not guaranteed.
- SWP withdrawals can reduce your capital, especially if markets fall or withdrawals are high.
- Annuity terms are set by the insurer; read the policy document carefully before buying.
- Tax treatment depends on current law and your circumstances; consult a qualified tax advisor.
Have questions about Retirement Planning?
Speak to our team — no obligation. We'll explain the options, risks and costs.
Common Questions About Retirement Planning
When should I start planning for retirement?
How much do I need to retire?
Is NPS enough for retirement?
What is an SWP?
Should I buy health insurance before retiring?
WealthBay Private Limited — AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor, ARN-29566. WealthBay acts as a distributor of third-party financial products and earns commissions from product providers. Please read all scheme / offer documents carefully before investing.
Build a Retirement Plan You Can Rely On
Talk to an advisor about your retirement goals, the corpus you may need and how to turn it into a steady income.