Building the first ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD) is often perceived as the most challenging milestone in wealth creation. This initial phase requires significant patience and discipline, as compounding starts slowly. For instance, if one invests ₹25,000 monthly through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in equity mutual funds with an expected annual return of 12%, it can take nearly 14 years to reach that first crore. However, once this foundation is established, the subsequent crores can be accumulated much faster—approximately 5 years for the second crore and 3 years for the third. This acceleration is primarily due to the power of compounding, where returns are earned not only on the initial investment but also on the accumulated returns. Investors are encouraged to maintain consistency in their investments and consider increasing their SIP contributions as their income grows, which can significantly enhance wealth accumulation over time.