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.

What is an SIP?

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a method of investing a fixed amount of money regularly in mutual funds. SIP allows you to invest small sums at regular intervals on a monthly basis. This approach makes investing more accessible and manageable for a wide range of investors.

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.