What's Inside?
What is SIP?
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a smart way to invest in mutual funds. It helps you save money regularly by investing a fixed amount every month or quarter. You don’t need a lot of money to start – even a small amount will do. Plus, you can increase your investment over time.
The money you invest is used to buy units of the mutual fund you choose. The number of units you get depends on the current Net Asset Value (NAV) of the fund. SIPs are convenient and automated. Once you set it up, your investments happen automatically without needing constant attention.
How does SIP work?
A systematic Investment Plan (SIP) works in a simple and convenient manner. Here’s how it works:
Choose a Mutual Fund: Select a mutual fund scheme based on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consider factors such as fund performance, the fund manager’s track record, and the fund’s investment objective.
Determine Investment Amount and Frequency: Decide the amount you want to invest in the mutual fund scheme and the frequency of your investments. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, such as monthly or quarterly. You can start with a small amount and gradually increase it at your convenience.
Set Up SIP: Open an account with the mutual fund company or through a registered intermediary. Fill out the necessary forms, including the SIP registration form. Provide details such as investment amount, frequency, and bank account details for automatic deductions.
Automated Investments: Once the SIP is set up, the predetermined investment amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account on the specified date(s). This amount is then used to purchase units of the mutual fund scheme at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV) on that particular day.
Benefit from Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs offer the benefit of rupee cost averaging. Since you invest a fixed amount regularly, you buy more units when the prices are low and fewer units when the prices are high. This helps to average out the cost of investment over time, potentially reducing the impact of market volatility.
Track and Monitor: Keep track of your SIP investments and monitor the performance of the mutual fund scheme regularly. Review the progress towards your investment goals and make any necessary adjustments to your SIP amount or fund selection if required.
SIP Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for investing in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) are generally straightforward and inclusive. Some of the common eligibility criteria are –
Age: Individuals of any age, including minors, can be eligible to invest in SIPs. However, some mutual fund companies may have a minimum age requirement, typically 18 years, for investing without a guardian.
KYC Compliance: As per regulatory guidelines, investors need to comply with the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. This involves providing necessary identification and address proof documents, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or driver’s license. Completing the KYC process is mandatory for investing in mutual funds, including SIPs.
Bank Account: To initiate a SIP, you need to have an active bank account. The bank account is used to set up the auto-debit facility, enabling the automatic deduction of SIP amounts from your account on the specified date.
Fund House Specific Requirements: Different mutual fund houses may have specific eligibility criteria or requirements for investing in their SIPs. It’s advisable to check the terms and conditions of the particular fund house you are interested in to ensure compliance with any additional criteria they may have.
Documents Required to Start SIP
To start a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), you generally need to provide the following documents:
KYC (Know Your Customer) Documents: These documents are required to fulfill regulatory compliance and establish your identity. The common KYC documents include:
Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID card, or driver’s license.
Proof of Address: Aadhaar card, utility bill (electricity, telephone, gas, etc.), bank statement, passport, or rent agreement.
Application Form: You will need to fill out the application form provided by the mutual fund company or its authorized distributor. The form includes details such as your personal information, bank account details, investment amount, SIP frequency, and choice of mutual fund scheme.
Bank Account Proof: You may need to submit a copy of your bank statement or a canceled cheque to verify your bank account details for the purpose of the SIP auto-debit facility.
Passport-sized Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph may be required for identity verification and record-keeping purposes.
How to start SIP online?
Begin the KYC Process: Go to the website of a mutual fund company, registrar, or transfer agent to start the KYC process. Provide your basic details like name, date of birth, contact information, etc.
Verification: Your identity will be verified through a video call. If you provide your Aadhaar details, the form will be auto-filled, and no further verification is required. However, this limits your annual investment to Rs. 50,000.
Select a Fund: Choose a suitable mutual fund scheme from a particular fund house that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Visit the Mutual Fund Company’s Website: Create a new account by filling in the necessary information, such as personal details and bank account information from which the SIP amount will be deducted. Once you complete the registration, the mutual fund company will send you a confirmation.
Log in to Your Account: After logging in to your account, select the mutual fund scheme of your choice, specify the SIP amount, and choose the frequency (monthly, quarterly, etc.). The SIP will usually start within 7-30 days after completing these steps.
How to stop SIP online?
To stop a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) online, you can follow these general steps:
Log in to your online investment account: Access the online investment platform or website provided by your mutual fund company or investment service provider.
Navigate to your SIP section: Look for the section or tab related to your SIP investments. It may be labeled as “SIP,” “My SIPs,” or something similar.
Select the SIP you want to stop: Identify the specific SIP you wish to stop from the list of your active SIPs.
Choose the “Stop” or “Cancel” option: Once you have selected the desired SIP, you should see an option to stop or cancel it. Click on this option.
Confirm the cancellation: The online platform will typically ask for confirmation to ensure you want to stop the SIP. Confirm your decision to proceed.
Review and save the confirmation: After confirming the cancellation, the platform may provide a summary or confirmation message. Review the details and save or download the confirmation for your records.
How to start SIP offline?
KYC Process: Fill out the KYC application form with your personal information and necessary documents.
Select a Fund: Choose a mutual fund scheme that suits your investment goals and preferences.
SIP Form: Fill out the Common Application Form or the SIP form, providing the required details such as investment amount, frequency, and duration.
NACH Mandate: Provide the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) mandate along with the SIP details. This allows for the automatic deduction of SIP amounts from your bank account.
Forms Submission: Submit the filled-out forms to the office of the mutual fund distributor, agent, relationship manager, or investment advisor, or directly to the Mutual Fund Company.
How to stop SIP offline?
To stop a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) offline, you can follow these steps:
Obtain the SIP Stop Request Form: Visit the mutual fund company’s office or authorized distributor’s office and ask for the SIP Stop Request Form. This form is specifically designed for stopping or canceling your SIP.
Fill out the Form: Fill out the required details in the SIP Stop Request Form. Provide accurate information such as your name, folio number (if applicable), mutual fund scheme name, SIP amount, and any other relevant information requested on the form.
Sign the Form: Sign the SIP Stop Request Form in the designated space to authorize the cancellation of your SIP. Make sure to check for any additional signature or verification requirements mentioned on the form.
Submit the Form: Once you have completed and signed the form, submit it to the mutual fund company’s office or authorized distributor’s office from where you obtained the form. You may need to provide additional documents such as your proof of identity for verification purposes.
Confirmation and Processing Time: After submitting the form, the mutual fund company will process your request. They will confirm the cancellation of your SIP and update your records accordingly. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes around 21 days to stop the SIP from the requested date.
Temporary Stop of SIP/Pause SIP
To temporarily stop or pause your SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), steps below can be followed:
Check the SIP Pause Facility: Contact your mutual fund company or check their website to see if they offer a SIP pause facility. Not all mutual fund companies provide this option, so it’s important to confirm its availability.
Review the Terms and Conditions: Understand the terms and conditions associated with pausing your SIP. Different mutual fund companies may have different rules regarding the duration of the pause and the number of times you can pause your SIP.
Submit the Request: If the SIP pause facility is available, you can submit a request to pause your SIP for a specific period. This can usually be done through the mutual fund company’s website, mobile app, or by contacting their customer service.
Provide Necessary Details: Provide the required details such as your name, folio number (if applicable), SIP details, and the duration for which you want to pause your SIP. Follow the instructions provided by the mutual fund company to submit the request accurately.
Confirmation and Processing Time: Once you submit the request, the mutual fund company will process it. They will confirm the temporary pause of your SIP and update your records accordingly. The processing time may vary, but you should receive a confirmation of the paused SIP within a few business days.
Resume the SIP: After the specified pause period, your SIP will automatically resume. You don’t need to take any action to restart it. The mutual fund company will deduct the SIP amount as per the regular schedule.
Top Benefits of SIP
Affordability: SIP allows anyone to start investing with as little as Rs. 500 in their chosen fund. It’s a flexible and affordable option.
Rupee Cost Averaging: With SIP, you buy more units when the prices are low and fewer units when the prices are high. This helps lower the average cost per unit over time.
Compounding: Investing small amounts regularly over a long period benefits from the power of compounding. It can generate better returns compared to a lump sum investment.
Financial Discipline: SIP encourages disciplined investing habits. It helps individuals develop a habit of investing regularly, which is crucial for long-term financial growth.
Emergency Fund: SIP can also serve as an emergency fund if needed. Investors can utilize the one-time withdrawal facility in case of unexpected expenses.
Budgeting: By setting up standing instructions with their bank, investors can automate their SIP contributions. This promotes a “save first, spend later” approach and assists with budgeting.
Convenience: SIP offers convenience as the investment amount is automatically deducted from the bank account. Investors don’t need to worry about remembering to invest regularly.
Top Myths about SIP
There are several myths surrounding SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). Some of the common ones are:
SIP Guarantees Profits: One common misconception is that SIPs guarantee profits. While SIPs can help mitigate the impact of market volatility through rupee cost averaging, they do not guarantee positive returns. The performance of the underlying investments determines the returns.
SIPs are Only for Small Investors: SIPs are often associated with small investments. However, they are suitable for investors of all sizes. Whether you have a small or large investable amount, SIPs provide a disciplined approach to investing and can be customized based on your financial goals.
SIPs are for Equity Funds Only: Another myth is that SIPs are only meant for equity funds. SIPs can be utilized for various types of mutual funds, including debt funds, hybrid funds, and even index funds. It depends on your investment objectives and risk appetite.
SIPs Require Constant Monitoring: Some believe that SIPs require constant monitoring and active management. However, SIPs are designed for long-term investing and do not require frequent monitoring. Once you have chosen a suitable fund, you can continue your SIP without needing to make frequent adjustments.
SIPs are Only for Young Investors: It is a misconception that SIPs are suitable only for young investors. In reality, investors of all age groups can benefit from SIPs. The power of compounding and regular investing can help individuals at any stage of life to accumulate wealth and achieve their financial goals.
SIPs Lock Your Money: SIPs do not lock your money for a specific period. Unlike fixed deposits or certain investment schemes, SIPs provide liquidity, allowing investors to redeem their units whenever needed. However, it is advisable to have a long-term investment horizon for optimal results.
SIPs are Complex: Some individuals perceive SIPs as complex investment strategies. On the contrary, SIPs are simple to understand and execute. You can start a SIP by setting up automatic deductions from your bank account and selecting a suitable mutual fund scheme.
It’s important to separate myths from facts when it comes to SIPs. Understanding the true nature of SIPs can help you make informed investment decisions and leverage their benefits effectively.
Top drawbacks of SIP
While SIPs offer numerous benefits, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks:
Market Volatility: SIPs are subject to market risks. The value of investments can fluctuate, especially during periods of market volatility. This means that returns on investments can vary, and there is a possibility of temporary losses.
No Timing the Market: SIPs promote a disciplined approach to investing and discourage trying to time the market. Some investors may prefer to time their investments based on market conditions, which is not possible with SIPs as investments are made regularly regardless of market trends.
No Control Over NAV (Net Asset Value): In SIPs, the number of units purchased depends on the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV) of the fund on the investment date. Investors have no control over the NAV, which can impact the number of units acquired and the overall investment value.
Continuous Investments: SIPs require regular investments over a longer duration to reap the benefits of compounding. Some individuals may find it challenging to maintain consistent contributions, especially during financial emergencies or cash flow constraints.
Exit Load: Mutual funds may have an exit load, which is a fee charged when investors redeem their units within a specified period. It’s important to be aware of any exit load charges associated with the chosen fund and the impact it may have on liquidity.
Diversification Limitations: SIPs typically invest in a specific mutual fund scheme. This means that diversification is limited to the assets held within that particular scheme. It may be necessary to invest in multiple SIPs or other investment avenues to achieve a well-diversified portfolio.
Fund Manager Risk: The performance of a mutual fund depends on the expertise and decisions of the fund manager. If the fund manager’s strategies or decisions are not aligned with market conditions, it may impact the fund’s performance and, in turn, the returns on SIP investments.