Is SIP a better investment option than one time investment? (2024)

Power of compounding, long term capital appreciation, rupee cost of averaging etc are some of the benefits of SIP which could tempt one to believe that SIP is a better investment option when compared to one time/lump-sum investment.

But when the investments are done in SIP mode, the money flows out every month till the end of the tenor. In case of a 10 year SIP, not all the installments would have completed 10 years and the last installment would be just one month before the withdrawal. Whereas in case of one time investment option for 10 years, the money invested would complete the full ten year tenor resulting in better returns over SIP.

Investment through SIP mode

Is SIP a better investment option than one time investment? (1)

Is SIP a better investment option than one time investment? (2)

The one time investment looks really attractive and would certainly yield better returns when compared to SIP. But the real question is how many of us would have that required one time amount to invest keeping financial goals in mind.

If you are looking at building a corpus of Rs. 3 Crs for retirement over next 30 years, a onetime investment of Rs.10 Lakhs today to be invested in an equity mutual fund at an assumed rate of 12%. But the question is do you have Rs. 10 Lakhs to set aside for retirement today? Same applies to someone who is looking at building a corpus for children's higher education. If the target is to accumulate Rs. 18 lakhs in next 15 years, the requirement is Rs. 3.30 lakhs one time investment.

How can you build the corpus for financial goals without experiencing the financial burden?

Today a movie & dinner for a family of 3 would cost between Rs. 1500-2000 and dinner would cost around the same amount of money. One outing over weekend might cost in the range of Rs. 3000-4000/-

Forgoing "One movie and a dinner with family in a month" and saving up the same amount of money once a month, could help in building the corpus for the goal. A monthly SIP of Rs. 3700/- would help to build the corpus of Rs. 18 lakhs for children's higher education 15 years from now. A smaller sum of money getting invested on a regular basis helps to build wealth without cutting deep inside the pocket of an investor. At the same time, an SIP of Rs. 10000/- a month could help you in accumulating Rs. 3 Crs by the end of 30 years.

Linking SIP to the respective financial goal is the best way to accumulate money. SIP brings in investment discipline.

Courtesy - SmarTomorrows - An investor education initiative by Canara Robeco

Is SIP a better investment option than one time investment? (2024)

FAQs

Is SIP better than one time investment? ›

Thus, the major difference between lump sum and SIP is rupee cost averaging. One time investment fluctuates as per the market movements. On the other hand, SIP investment averages the cost of the units over time. Thus, one can choose SIP or lump sum for investment in mutual funds based on their investment objectives.

Is one time SIP better than monthly SIP? ›

Studies have shown that SIP frequency, be it daily, weekly or monthly, has no major impact on returns. For instance, the difference in return between daily, weekly or monthly SIPs is negligible over time. However, you could struggle to monitor your investment if you opt for the daily SIP over the monthly SIP.

Is it better to invest in SIP or lumpsum? ›

If you are an investor with a small but regular amount of money available for investment, SIPs can be a more suitable investment option. For investors with a relatively high investment amount and risk tolerance, lump-sum investments may be more beneficial.

What is the difference between monthly SIP and one time investment? ›

Mutual Fund investments can be made in two different ways – one is through SIP and the other is one-time investment. Systematic Investment Plan or SIP is a regular investment of small amounts for the extended time period. Whereas, in one-time investment, the investor parks a lump sum amount for the specific time.

Why is SIP the best investment? ›

It is nearly impossible to consistently and precisely time the markets. SIPs do not, however, require you to time the markets. You consistently invest a fixed amount, regardless of the market conditions. You will receive more fund units when the market is declining and fewer fund units when the market is rising.

Is one time SIP investment safe? ›

Yes. In reality, it is preferable to make a long-term investment in SIP. Instead of waiting for money to accumulate before investing, you begin investing with whatever amount you are able to save. This ensures that your money is always invested.

Is SIP good for long term or short term? ›

Things to Consider While Choosing SIP Plans for Long Term

Under a SIP, you invest a small amount of money at regular intervals in a mutual fund scheme of your choice. The majority of investments are made in equity-based mutual fund schemes. SIPs provide the opportunity for long-term gains and consistent savings.

Is SIP safe for long term? ›

Yes. In fact, it is better to invest in SIP for the long term. Instead of waiting and accumulating money to invest, you start investing whatever amount you are able to save. This way, your money is always invested.

Can I withdraw SIP anytime? ›

You can take out money from a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) before it's due, but the amount and process depend on the mutual fund's type, investment duration, and the terms of the fund house. Most funds have a minimum lock-in period, and breaking it might result in penalties.

How long should I stay invested in SIP? ›

To create wealth through SIP investments, tenure of a minimum of 5 years is recommended by a majority of experts. However, you must decide based on the factors mentioned above. Perpetual SIPs allow you not to set an end-date to your investments but yet stop it any time you wish to.

Is SIP really profitable? ›

SIP is an excellent long-term investment option for equity investors who want to build up a sizable corpus. SIP investments are proven to generate higher returns than traditional investments like gold, fixed deposit, PPF etc.

Which SIP gives highest return? ›

Best SIP Plans - Top SIP Plans to Invest in India 2023
CATEGORYSIP By insurance CompaniesSIP By Fund Houses
RETURNS (Past 10 Years)12.82%+13.59%+
LIFE COVER
TAX SAVING Under 80COn all plansOnly on ELSS
TAX FREE MATURITY BENEFIT Under 10(10D)*

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