How mutch money do I need to start investing in unit trusts?

It depends on the fund and company. Here’s the real breakdown:

1. Minimum to start – one-time lump sum

So if you have just 1k, go with NDB Wealth or Ceybank. With 5k, all doors open.

2. Monthly SIP minimum – best for beginners

This is where unit trusts win. You can automate small amounts every month:

Example: 1,000 LKR/month for 5 years at 10% = ∼77,000 LKR. You only put in 60k.

3. Does the fund type matter?

Usually no. Money Market, Balanced, and Equity funds from the same company have the same minimum.

Ex: NDB Wealth Money Market = 1k min. NDB Growth Fund = also 1k min.

4. Other costs to know

Entry fee: 0% for most funds now. Some older ones charge 1%.
Exit fee: 0% if you hold >90 days. Sell before 90 days = 0.5-1% fee.
Management fee: 0.5% – 2.5% yearly, taken from fund automatically. You don’t pay separately.
No broker fee: Unlike stocks, no 100 LKR min charge per trade.

5. So how much SHOULD you start with?

1k-5k LKR*: Fine to test it. Open the account, see how NAV moves.

5k-10k LKR*: Better. You’ll actually see growth. 1k growing 10% = 100 LKR. Not exciting.

10k+ LKR*: Ideal. Growth becomes visible and moti