Jun 21, 2011

Are Your Aware of the Power of SIPs?

We all have heard of the saying “Little drops of water make the mighty ocean”. Just like little drops of water can make the mighty ocean in the long run, a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) makes you reach your long term investment goals conveniently. SIP is a simple yet a powerful tool used by investors worldwide as a method for savings and wealth accumulation. Investing through the SIP facility empowers you to plan and save for your future by inculcating in you the discipline of investing regularly.


In order to invest in a mutual fund via SIP, a pre-decided amount of money is debited from an investor's bank account, by way of post-dated cheques or ECS mandate, for the purchase of units of a desired mutual fund scheme. An investor has the flexibility of purchasing mutual funds units on a quarterly, monthly, weekly or daily basis, hence helping one to build wealth in the long run.


SIP investment is very advantageous. Investing a hefty sum at one go is not a feasible option for most of the people, but investing small amounts of money at regular durations is not a bad idea for anyone. This also lets the compounding principle work on it. For instance, if Mr. X invests Rs. 1200000 lumpsum for 10 years and Mr. Y invests Rs. 5000 by way of SIP for 20 years, and if the rate of return is 15% p.a., then Mr. Y will earn Rs. 2600000 more than Mr. X.


Another principle working on it is that of rupee cost averaging that is an automatic market timing mechanism. Rupee cost averaging enables an inevstor to purchase more number of units when they are low-priced and buy lesser number of units when they are high-priced. This proves quite beneficial later on. 


SIP also enable the mutual fund investors to benefit from diversification. Mutual funds returns are variable and are affected by numerous market risks. Diversification helps in lowering the overall affect on a portfolio's return.


So go ahead and start taking small steps. You will definitely reach your long term objectives.