Why Start SIPs? The Smart Way to Invest
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have become a popular investment vehicle for individuals looking to grow their wealth over time. With the increasing interest in Financial Planning and Wealth Management, SIPs offer a disciplined and flexible approach to investing in mutual funds. In this article, we shall explore the reasons why you should consider starting SIPs, highlighting their benefits and the advantages they offer over other investment options.
Benefits of Starting SIPs
1. Disciplined Investing
SIPs inculcate a
disciplined approach to investing. By committing to invest a fixed amount
regularly, you ensure that you are consistently saving and investing, regardless
of market conditions. This regularity helps in building a significant corpus
over time.
2. Rupee Cost Averaging
One of the most
significant advantages of SIPs is rupee cost averaging. Since you invest a
fixed amount at regular intervals, you buy more units when the prices are low
and fewer units when the prices are high. This averaging of purchase costs potentially
lowers the overall cost per unit of your investments, reducing the impact of
market volatility.
3. Power of Compounding
Compounding is
the process where your investment earns returns and those returns, in turn,
earn more returns. With SIPs, the power of compounding works in your favor,
especially over the long term. The earlier you start the more time you get to
grow your money. The earlier you start the more your money may grow in the long
term.
4. Affordability
SIPs are highly
affordable and flexible. You can start with a small amount (as low as Rs.100
and maximum no limit), making it easier for beginners or those with limited
financial resources to begin their investment journey. Such low investment limit
and convenience encourages more people to start investing early.
5. Convenience
Setting up an
SIP is straightforward and hassle-free. Most mutual funds allow you to set up
SIPs online with minimal paperwork. Once set up, the investment is
automatically deducted from your bank account at regular intervals, making it
convenient and time-saving.
6. Flexibility
SIPs offer
flexibility in terms of investment amount and tenure. You have the facility to
increase or decrease your SIP amount, pause it temporarily, or even stop it
altogether, depending on your financial situation. This flexibility makes SIPs
a preferred choice for many investors.
7. Goal-Oriented Investing
SIPs can be
tailored to meet specific financial goals, such as buying a house, funding
children's education, or planning for retirement. By aligning your SIPs with
your goals, you can systematically work towards achieving them.
Comparison with Other Investment Options
1. Bank Fixed Deposits
Bank Fixed Deposits
offer returns but at relatively lower interest rates compared to mutual funds.
SIPs in debt and equity mutual funds have the potential to generate higher
returns over the long term subject to market risk. Fixed Deposits do not
provide partial withdrawal facility as it has to be fully withdrawn as part of
pre-mature withdrawal. Mutual funds also offer the facility to make partial
withdrawals.
2. Recurring Deposits
Recurring
deposits are similar to SIPs in terms of regular investments, but they
generally offer lower returns and lack the potential for high growth that
equity mutual funds provide through SIPs. Even SIPs in debt mutual funds have generally
provided better returns than Recurring Deposits in the longer run.
Starting SIPs is a smart and efficient way to invest in mutual funds, offering numerous benefits such as disciplined investing, rupee cost averaging, and the power of compounding. The affordability, convenience, and flexibility of SIPs make them accessible to a wide range of investors, from beginners to seasoned professionals. By aligning your SIPs with your financial goals, you can systematically work towards building a secure financial future.
Investing
through SIPs not only helps in wealth creation but also inculcates a habit of
regular savings and investment, which is crucial for long-term financial
success. So, why wait? Start your SIP today and take the first step towards a
financially secure tomorrow.
Connect with Nikhil Deshpande, Founder, Falcoy Financial ; www.falcoyfinancial.com
Disclaimer: Investments are subject to market risks.