INVESTING & RETIREMENT · GOAL PLANNING
Turn a financial goal into a set of assumptions
A goal becomes easier to evaluate when its amount, date and funding assumptions are written down.
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Define the goal in present-day terms
Write a sentence describing the expense and its date. Separate a committed payment from an aspiration that could move. This educational worksheet begins with the cost today; it does not select an investment product.
Show the assumptions
Record the years available, existing savings allocated to this goal, planned contributions and an assumed return. If you inflate a present-day cost, label the inflation assumption separately from the return assumption. Using the same percentage for both merely because it is convenient can conceal an important difference.
Compare scenarios
For an illustrative five-year goal, compare the contribution required under lower, middle and higher assumed returns. Then test a delay in contributions or a higher eventual cost. These are scenarios, not forecasts. The SIP tool uses the return and contribution timing you choose; it does not model every market path, tax or fee.
Decide what is adjustable
If the funding gap is large, identify whether the contribution, timing or scope of the goal could change. Increasing the assumed return does not create funding. Keep emergency reserves and other commitments visible so the same savings are not assigned to several goals. Review the worksheet when circumstances change. SEBI’s investor-education tools provide an official starting point for further learning.
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