Question 1

How is SIP return calculated?

Accepted Answer

SIP returns are calculated using the compound interest formula: M = P × ({[1 + i]^n – 1} / i) × (1 + i), where M is maturity amount, P is monthly investment, i is monthly rate of return (annual rate/12), and n is number of months. For example, investing ₹5,000/month for 10 years at 12% returns gives approximately ₹11.6 lakh.

Question 2

What is a good SIP amount to invest monthly?

Accepted Answer

A good SIP amount depends on your income and goals. General rule: invest 20-30% of monthly income. For beginners, start with ₹500-₹1,000/month. For salary ₹50,000/month, aim for ₹10,000-₹15,000 SIP. For ₹1 crore goal in 20 years at 12% returns, invest ₹10,380/month. Start small and increase 10-15% yearly.

Question 3

How much SIP required for 1 crore?

Accepted Answer

To accumulate ₹1 crore through SIP: 10 years at 12% returns = ₹43,470/month | 15 years = ₹20,420/month | 20 years = ₹10,380/month | 25 years = ₹5,560/month | 30 years = ₹3,020/month. The earlier you start, the less you need to invest monthly due to compounding.

Question 4

Is SIP better than lump sum investment?

Accepted Answer

SIP is better for most investors because: (1) Rupee cost averaging - buys more units when markets are low, (2) No need for large capital upfront, (3) Disciplined investing habit, (4) Less timing risk. Lump sum works better if: (1) You have large surplus cash, (2) Markets are at multi-year lows, (3) You can handle volatility. For salary earners, SIP is ideal.

Question 5

Which mutual fund is best for SIP?

Accepted Answer

Best mutual funds for SIP in 2025: Large Cap: Axis Bluechip, Mirae Asset Large Cap | Mid Cap: PGIM India Midcap, Kotak Emerging Equity | Small Cap: Nippon India Small Cap, SBI Small Cap | Multi Cap: Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, Quant Active Fund | Index Fund: Nifty 50, Nifty Next 50. Choose based on risk appetite: Low risk = Large cap, Medium = Multi cap, High = Small/Mid cap. Diversify across 3-4 funds.

Question 6

Can I stop my SIP anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can stop, pause, or skip SIP installments anytime without penalty in mutual funds. However, stopping SIP doesn't redeem your existing investment - units remain invested. To withdraw money, you need to separately redeem units. Better options than stopping: (1) Pause for 1-3 months, (2) Reduce SIP amount, (3) Switch to different fund. Avoid stopping SIP during market corrections - that's when you buy cheapest.

Question 7

What is step-up SIP?

Accepted Answer

Step-up SIP automatically increases your monthly investment by a fixed percentage (usually 5-10%) every year. Example: Start ₹5,000/month, increase 10% yearly = ₹5,500 (Year 2), ₹6,050 (Year 3), ₹6,655 (Year 4). Benefits: (1) Matches salary increments, (2) Significantly higher wealth creation, (3) Easier than manual increases. For ₹1 crore in 15 years: Regular SIP needs ₹20,420/month, Step-up SIP (10%) needs only ₹12,000/month initially.

Question 8

Is 12% return realistic in SIP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 12% annual return is realistic for equity mutual funds over 10+ years. Historical data: Nifty 50 has given 12-14% CAGR over 20 years, Good large-cap funds: 12-15% over 15 years, Mid/Small cap funds: 15-18% (higher risk). Conservative estimate: Use 10-12% for planning. Actual returns vary year to year but average out long-term. First 5 years may give lower returns, next 10-15 years compound faster. For debt/hybrid funds, expect 7-9%.