Investing can feel overwhelming, but Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) can make it simple for you. Instead of investing a big lump sum, you put in a fixed amount every month in mutual funds, and your money can multiply over the years. Whether you start with Rs 100 or Rs 30,000, staying consistent is the key to reaching big financial goals like Rs 1 crore.
What is SIP?
Systematic Investment Plan, or SIP, is a way to invest in mutual funds by putting in a fixed amount regularly – usually every month. Instead of investing a large sum at once, SIP lets you invest in small, consistent amounts, helping you benefit from compounding and rupee cost averaging. It's a smart way to build wealth over time.
After SEBI's approval for low-value SIPs, many fund houses now allow investments starting from just Rs 100. Despite the lowered entry point, the average SIP investment in India remains above Rs 2,000.
With the step-up approach, you can start with a small amount and gradually increase your investment over time. Systematic Investment Plan, or SIP, is a way to invest in mutual funds by putting in a fixed amount regularly – usually every month. Instead of investing a large sum at once, SIP lets you invest in small, consistent amounts, helping you benefit from compounding and rupee cost averaging. It's a smart way to build wealth over time.
After SEBI's approval for low-value SIPs, many fund houses now allow investments starting from just Rs 100. Despite the lowered entry point, the average SIP investment in India remains above Rs 2,000.
With the step-up approach, you can start with a small amount and gradually increase your investment over time.
Investing Rs 10,000 per month
If you invest Rs 10,000 per month and earn an average return of 12% per year, you will accumulate Rs 1 crore in approximately 20 years.
If the return is higher, like 15% per year, you can reach the goal in about 17 years.
If the return is lower at 10% per year, it might take around 22 years.
Investing Rs 20,000 per month
With Rs 20,000 per month at a 12% return, you will reach Rs 1 crore in about 14 years.
At a 15% return, you can achieve this in around 13 years.
At a 10% return, it may take 16 years.
Investing Rs 30,000 per month
With Rs 30,000 per month at a 12% return, you will reach Rs 1 crore in about 11 years.
If the returns are 15% per year, you can achieve it in 10 years.
At a lower return of 10%, it might take 12 years.
What do you do with your SIP if the market crashes?
Many investors panic during a market crash and stop their SIPs, fearing further losses. This is actually the best time to stay invested and continue your SIP. Market downturns are temporary, but stopping investments can hurt long-term returns. When the market crashes, mutual fund units become cheaper, meaning you get more units for the same investment amount.
Over time, when the market recovers, these extra units contribute to higher returns. This is called rupee cost averaging, which helps reduce overall investment risk.
Historically, markets have always bounced back and grown over the long term.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
