India, Aug. 18 -- The first time you start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), it seems simple, but there are many decisions that lie behind it. Which fund? How much? For how long? Most first-time investors either overthink the setup or rush through it without knowing what they're doing.

A systematic investment plan calculator can help answer the numbers question, but the blueprint is more comprehensive. Let's look at a step-by-step framework for anyone who wants to learn investing.

It is not essential to pick the best fund for the first SIP. This is about doing things the right way, in the right sequence. Solve every step and then only invest a single rupee.

When there is no goal, an SIP is merely a regular deduction. Before choosing ...