What’s your SIP Strategy?

In this episode, Monika dives into the debate surrounding Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and whether they are truly the wealth-building tool they are often made out to be. A prominent fund manager recently warned that SIPs in small- and mid-cap mutual funds may not yield the high returns investors expect, igniting a firestorm of discussion. Monika explores the claims, comparing historical returns across different asset classes and reminding listeners of the importance of long-term investing. She recounts a colleague’s decision to exit equity markets in 2020 due to short-term underperformance—only to miss out on the subsequent market boom.Monika also breaks down the concept of rolling returns, explaining why they offer a more accurate picture of investment performance than simple point-to-point returns. Analyzing Nifty indices over different time horizons, she highlights how long-term SIP investors in well-chosen funds have generally fared well despite market volatility. She stresses that while SIPs are a great tool, they are not a magic bullet—they must be part of a well-structured financial plan that includes asset allocation, rebalancing, and a mix of equity and debt investments.Listener questions bring in real-life concerns. Tanvi Telang, soon to be engaged, seeks advice on managing finances as a couple when incomes and money attitudes differ. Shakti Kumar wonders if four years of underperformance against the benchmark is a sign to switch funds. Lastly, Mahesh Patnala from Gurugram asks if Monika would personally manage his portfolio, expressing his struggles with long-term financial planning.Chapters:(00:48 - 09:37) The great SIP debate and why investors are worried(09:38 - 12:18) Understanding rolling returns and long-term performance(12:52 - 16:41) Managing finances as a couple(16:44 - 17:55) When to switch funds after underperformance(17:57 - 20:08) Finding the right financial guidancehttps://www.advisorkhoj.com/mutual-funds-research/benchmark-rolling-returnhttps://aria.org.in/If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ Monika’s book on basic money management⁠⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/⁠⁠⁠Monika’s book on mutual funds⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/⁠⁠Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life⁠⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/⁠⁠⁠Calculators⁠⁠⁠https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/index.html⁠⁠⁠You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan. Twitter ⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠Production House:⁠⁠⁠www.inoutcreatives.com⁠⁠⁠Production Assistant:⁠⁠⁠ Anshika Gogoi⁠Sponsor Message: Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:⁠https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8⁠Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,⁠www.1finance.co.in⁠