What is the 15*15*15 Rule in Mutual Funds & Why Should Invest in It?

Most investors expect fast returns from their investments and consider them to be like short sprints. However, in reality, any investment requires time to fetch good returns, and that is why it is more like a marathon. Financial freedom doesn’t always come easily, nor can a comfortable retirement be achieved without investing correctly and consistently in it. 

Any investment comes with a certain set of guidelines and rules to be followed for wealth creation, be it short term or long term. One such thumb rule is the 15*15*15 rule in mutual funds. Through compounding, this rule can help investors in gaining up to Rs. 1 cr returns in 15 years. Before entering a mutual fund investment, for example, most investors have two common questions, ‘how much to invest’ and ‘how long to invest for’. This is when the 15 15 15 rule comes into play.

Let us understand this concept and how it can help in wealth creation.

Meaning of compounding

Before understanding the concept of 15*15*15*, it will be useful for investors to know about compounding and how it works.

Any mutual fund investor would have come across the term ‘compounding’ at least once during their investment journey. It is known as the backbone of every mutual fund investment. This one concept is the reason why small periodical investments can turn into the source of wealth creation in the long run. 

Compounding results in wealth creation due to the fresh interest earnings from prior period interest earnings, or interest over interest. Investors who start their mutual fund investment journey early are the ones to benefit the most through compounding. 

Understanding compounding through example

Here is an example to demystify the concept of compounding, especially for new investors:

Let’s say, Ms. Nisha invests Rs. 15,000 every month in an investment that fetches 15% returns. She invested this amount for 15 years. Thus, she accumulates a net wealth of approximately Rs. 1 cr at the end of 15 years. 

Now, let’s understand the principle of compounding with the same example. If Ms. Nisha reinvests for an additional 15 years, the net wealth that can be accumulated will increase exponentially and she can gain approximately Rs. 10 crores. 

With 15 more years added to the investment period, she can fetch 10 times more wealth with an additional investment amount of only Rs. 27 lakhs.

A compound interest calculator can help you calculate returns at any time easily.

How does compounding benefit mutual fund investments?

The interest in mutual funds is calculated with the help of compound interest. Compound interest is interest on interest, meaning adding of interest earnings to principal investment, which can be again reinvested. Thus, through compound interest, the invested amount earns interest, and also the interest earned on the investment earns interest. 

Compounding or compound interest in mutual funds helps in multiplying earnings over a period. This is why the earlier an investor invests in a mutual fund, the higher he/she gains by staying invested for long. Therefore, both aspects, starting investment early and staying invested for the long term, are important and essential for earning substantial returns on mutual fund investments. 

What is 15*15*15 Rule in Mutual Funds?

Now, coming to the 15*15*15 thumb rule in mutual fund investments. This rule simply says that a SIP or Systematic Investment Plan of Rs. 15,000 per month for 15 years can fetch net wealth of Rs. 1 crore at the end of 15 years. This is at an assumed interest rate of 15% that is based on Compounded Annual Growth Rate or CAGR. The net investment required here is Rs. 27 lakhs over 15 years.  

The rule says that with an SIP of Rs. 15,000 continued for 30 years and an assumed CAGR of 15%, an investor can earn Rs. 10 crores. Thus, the idea is to stay invested for an additional 15 years to yield substantially higher returns. 

One aspect to remember here is that, although the assumption of CAGR is 15%, an investment can experience a 20% return in one year and -7% in another year. This is because of constant market fluctuations which are often unpredictable. The assumption is based on an average rate of 15% over the total investment period.

It is very important to note that equity investments are subject to market fluctuations and risks and this is just a thumb rule that can help you estimate returns and does not guarantee those returns. 

Additional read – Beginner’s guide to mutual fund investments

How to invest in 15*15*15 in mutual fund?

To invest in a mutual fund with a 151515 strategy, follow these steps:

1. Research: Explore different mutual funds that align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
   
2. Diversification: Choose a mutual fund that offers diversification across asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents.
   
3. Allocation: Allocate 15% of your investment to each of three categories: large-cap stocks, mid-cap/small-cap stocks, and bonds.
   
4. Large-Cap Stocks: Look for mutual funds that invest in established companies with a track record of stable growth and dividends.
   
5. Mid-Cap/Small-Cap Stocks: Consider mutual funds that focus on companies with good growth potential but higher volatility.
   
6. Bonds: Select mutual funds that invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds or corporate bonds for stability and income.
   
7. Monitor and Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio’s performance and rebalance if necessary to maintain the desired allocation.
   

Remember, before investing, consult with a financial advisor or do thorough research to ensure the suitability of this strategy for your specific financial goals and risk tolerance.

Why should you invest in SIPs?

Mutual fund investment through SIPs offers the benefit of compounding, as discussed earlier. Apart from this, it has other benefits like rupee cost averaging, convenience, investment discipline, etc. Listed here are some of them:

1. Rupee cost averaging allows an investor to buy additional units of a mutual fund when the markets are underperforming and thereby accumulate more units to earn higher returns in the future.
2. With SIPs, investors can establish a regular and disciplined approach to investment.
3. Investors can easily monitor SIP investments through monthly deductions from a bank account.
4. SIPs can be paused or stopped at any time as per individual preference. Also, SIP amounts can be increased or decreased through the investment tenure.

Conclusion

15*15*15 rule imbibes the power of compounding and this is essentially a long-term investment strategy. To accumulate wealth in the long run, investors should remain invested for a longer horizon. Long-term mutual fund investments are an ideal choice, since these offer the flexibility of switching between funds, redemption, transparency, and exposure to equity markets. 

FAQs

• Thumb rules for asset allocation by age
• How Can Compound Interest in Mutual Funds Make You Rich?
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
• SIP vs Lump sum