Guwahati, June 11 -- Planning your investments might seem like something you'll "get to later," but time isn't waiting. A SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) could be the most practical entry point if you've been thinking about starting small with mutual funds. They don't require a large upfront commitment, nor do they expect you to predict the market. What they really do is help you build a disciplined investing habit.

If you're already investing every month or thinking about starting, this post is for you. We're going to break down practical steps that experienced advisors follow to make SIPs work smarter, not harder.

The biggest gap in most SIP plans is not having a goal. Most people just pick a number, say Rs. 5,000, and invest it mont...