Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
What is SIP Investment?
Understanding SIP with Example
Suppose you decide to invest Rs 5000 monthly in a mutual fund through SIP. The duration is one year. In the first month, you invest Rs 5000 at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV), let’s say it’s Rs 10 per unit. So, you purchase 500 units of the fund (Rs 5000 / Rs 10 = 500 units).
Over the next 11 months, you continue to invest Rs 5000 each month. The number of units you purchase each month depends on the NAV at that time. For example, if the NAV increases to Rs 12 in the second month, you’ll buy approximately 416.67 units (Rs 5000 / Rs 12 = 416.67 units).
By the end of the 12-month SIP period, you’ll have accumulated units in the Mutual Fund each month, based on the amount invested and the NAV at that time. Over the course of the SIP, your total investment would be Rs 60,000 (Rs 5000 per month for 12 months).
The NAV of the Fund may fluctuate over the SIP period due to market conditions.
Due to the rupee cost averaging effect of SIP, you would have bought more units when the NAV was lower and fewer units when the NAV was higher. This helps in averaging out the purchase cost over time.
How Does SIP Work?
- Investors first select the mutual fund scheme they want to invest in based on their investment goals, risk appetite, and financial objectives.
- They then decide on the amount they want to invest in the mutual fund scheme and the frequency at which they want to invest, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually.
- Investors authorize their bank to deduct the specified investment amount from their account at regular intervals.
- The invested amount is used to purchase units of the chosen mutual fund scheme at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV) on the specified investment date.
- Over time, as investors continue to invest regularly through SIPs, they accumulate a larger number of units in the mutual fund scheme. The power of compounding further boosts their investment returns.
- SIPs are ideally suited for long-term wealth creation as they encourage regular and disciplined investing, allowing investors to benefit from the potential growth of the underlying investments in the mutual fund scheme over time.
Types of SIP Investment
Here are the different types of SIP investments available:
Top-up SIP- With Top-up SIP, investors have the option to increase their investment amount periodically. This flexibility is beneficial for investors who experience increases in income or have surplus funds available for investment.
Flexible SIP- Flexible SIP offers investors the freedom to adjust the investment amount according to their cash flow needs. Investors can increase or decrease the investment amount as per their financial situation or changing investment goals, providing greater control over their investments.
Perpetual SIP – Unlike traditional SIPs, which typically have a fixed investment period of 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, perpetual SIPs do not have a mandate end date. Investors can choose to continue their investments indefinitely, aligning with their long-term financial goals, without the need to renew or set a new mandate period.
Benefits of Investing in SIP
Investing in SIPs offers several benefits:
- Discipline: SIPs promote regular investing, fostering financial discipline.
- Affordability: With low entry barriers, even small investors can participate.
- Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs mitigate market volatility by averaging out purchase costs over time.
- Flexibility: Options like Top-up SIPs and Flexible SIPs cater to varying investor needs.
- Long-Term Growth: SIPs align with long-term wealth accumulation goals.
- Professional Management: Access to professionally managed mutual funds diversified across sectors.
- Convenience: Automated investments streamline the process, requiring minimal intervention.
Overall, SIPs provide a systematic, convenient, and potentially rewarding approach to wealth creation while managing risk effectively.
How to Choose the Best SIP Planner/Advisor?
To choose the best SIP planner/advisor, look for someone with a strong track record of expertise and integrity in financial planning. Consider their experience, qualifications, and whether they are certified by reputable regulatory bodies. Seek recommendations from trusted sources or check client reviews for credibility. Ensure they understand your financial goals, risk tolerance, and preferences. Transparency in fee structure and a personalized approach to investment strategies are crucial. Ultimately, select an advisor who prioritizes your financial well-being and provides comprehensive support tailored to your needs and objectives.
Why Choose SIP for Investment?
Low initial investment
Convenient mode of investment
Power of compounding
Rupee cost averaging
Things to Consider Before Investing in SIP
- Financial Goals: Define your investment objectives, whether it's wealth creation, retirement planning, or saving for specific goals.
- Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk appetite to determine the type of mutual funds (equity, debt, hybrid) suitable for you.
- Time Horizon: Determine your investment horizon, whether short-term, medium-term, or long-term, to align with your financial goals.
- Fund Selection: Research and select mutual funds that match your investment goals, track record, fund manager expertise, and expense ratios.
- Costs and Fees: Understand the fees associated with mutual funds, including expense ratios, entry/exit loads, and advisory fees.
- Performance: Analyze the historical performance of selected funds relative to benchmarks and peers.
- SIP Amount: Determine the amount you can comfortably invest regularly without impacting your financial obligations.
- Review and Monitor: Regularly review your SIP investments to ensure they remain aligned with your goals, and make adjustments as needed.
SIP planning process
- Step 1: Create your account and complete the KYC process with bank details.
- Step 2: Register your mandate
- Step 3: Trigger your SIPs
- Step 4: After deduction check investment & goal progress on a real-time basis.
FAQ's on SIP Investment
What is a SIP? How is it different from a Lump Sum investment?
What are the benefits I can get from investing via SIP?
There are ample benefits you can get investing in mutual funds via SIP:
- Power of compounding
- It’s convenient
- Rupee Cost Averaging
- Returns 2x higher than RD & FD
- Serves as an Emergency Fund
- Invest with discipline
What if I want to stop my SIP, is it possible?
Yes, you can stop your SIP if you wish to. Unlike other investment avenues like FD or RD, you can stop SIP anytime you want. You can either choose to redeem your money or stay invested in the fund.
Is SIP & Mutual funds the same thing?
What happens if the SIP installment is declined?
There is a possibility that your bank will charge you a Direct Debit Failed Fee. To find out the exact amount, contact your bank.
What exactly is NAV in SIP?
NAV represents the per-unit value of a mutual fund scheme on a specific date. It is calculated by dividing the total net assets of the fund by the total number of units outstanding. For SIP investors, NAV is important because it determines the price at which units of the mutual fund are bought or sold.
Is SIP tax free?
No, not all SIPs are tax free. Only investments made in Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) are eligible for a tax deduction. If you use SIP to invest in ELSS, you can save taxes under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.
Can I withdraw SIP anytime?
Yes, you can withdraw from a SIP at any time. SIPs offer flexibility in terms of withdrawals, allowing investors to exit their investment whenever they choose. However, it’s important to note that while you can stop investing in a SIP and withdraw your investment, the timing of the withdrawal may impact your returns.
What is the full form of SIP?
The full form of SIP is Systematic Investment Plan.
What is the return of SIP for 1 year?
One-year SIPs are becoming increasingly popular among young investors due to their potential for generating favorable and swift returns. Typically, with the aid of a one-year SIP, investors can anticipate returns on investment ranging from 4.2% to 6.2%, varying according to the composition of their fund portfolio.