How to maximize returns from SIP’s in Mutual funds?

How to maximize returns from SIP's in Mutual fundsHow to maximize returns from SIP's in Mutual funds?

I have been investing in mutual funds for several years through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). Mutual funds help us to reduce risk as Mutual funds invest across various stocks and various sectors. In this article, I want to share my experiences on the strategies which I have adopted to maximize returns from SIP’s in Mutual funds. I felt these are sure shot ways which you can implement and increase your returns.

How to maximize returns from SIP's in Mutual funds?

1) SIP at various dates in a month: 

Few years back, I started investing in 10 mutual fund schemes and the SIP date was 5th of the month. Means, all my mutual fund schemes would get executed on 5th and mutual fund units would come into my account within 2 to 3 days. Now the real fun started. I used to see that market used to dance for at least once in a month. Either it could be a sudden increase in stock index or sudden fall without any news.

Also read: Top-10 Best Mutual funds to invest for SIP

Though I know that I am not supposed to monitor my mutual fund investments regularly as I intended to invest for long term, like a normal investor, I used to open my ICICIdirect.com every Saturday and Sunday and used to see how much I gained or lost for that week. Over a period of time, I used to get nervous. One day I sat for 2 hours analyzing, how to get the BEST from such situations. One solution which has come to my mind was creating SIP in mutual funds at various dates. I had 10 mutual fund schemes and I cancelled all existing ones and re-created. I created SIP's in such a way like 2 on the 5th of the month, 2 on the 10th of the month, 2 on 15th of the month, 2 on the 20th of the month and 2 on the 25th of the month.  When the market was up or down during 1st week of the month, my 2 mutual fund SIP’s only used to get affected. My other SIP mutual funds had less affect on such market down-swings. I felt this was one of the best strategies one can adopt and gain more from SIP’s.

2) Track your SIP in mutual funds against goals:

Earlier, I invested in several mutual funds. Later I thought I need money either for a child’s education or to buy some assets; I used to redeem my mutual fund units as and when required. I was not able to get good returns as I have redeemed without any prior plan. Later I realized that I am not linking my investments with goals. When you link your SIP in mutual funds with goals, you would have better tracking. I would an example. This about investing for my daughter’s marriage. I invested through SIP in two mutual funds. My aim is not to touch for next 10 to 12 years. Come what, I would not cancel or redeem such mutual fund units. When you set goals and invest for them, there are greater chances that you would get high returns.

3) Increase SIP values year on year:

When I started investing in mutual funds, I kept SIP amount at Rs 3,000 per mutual fund scheme.  Later I have started increasing year on year. Now I invest for Rs 5,000 as SIP per scheme. You can drastically increase your corpus if you are increasing SIP values year on year. You can increase SIP values for existing SIP schemes or you can create new SIP schemes with incremental amount. Do you know that if you invest Rs 10,000 per month in SIP and increase your SIP investment 10% year on year, your corpus would increase from Rs 23.23 Lakhs to Rs 33.75 Lakhs, which is a 45% jump. The values assumed conservatively at 12% annualized returns. This is one of the sure shot ways to maximize returns from SIP of mutual funds.

4) Use STP for lump sum investments:

Is there a way to invest lump investments in equity mutual funds and gain like we get from SIP in mutual funds? The answer is yes. You should adopt the strategy of Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). You can invest lump sum investments in liquid funds or debt funds and ask mutual fund houses to do STP to equity funds. STP works in such a way that your money would be transferred from liquid/debt funds to equity funds regularly every month like SIP. This way you can invest in equity funds and get good returns.

Also read: Best Mutual funds which gave solid and consistent returns

When you are nearing your goal, you should stay away from risky investments, hence you should adopt reverse STP. Means your money would be transferred from equity funds to debt or liquid funds every month over a period of time like SIP. STP strategy would be best for lump sum investments and when you are nearing your goal.

Conclusion: I felt these are some of my experiences on how to get maximum returns on SIP in mutual funds. Since I have already experienced them on positive side, I don’t know whether there are any drawbacks in these features.

Readers, have you implemented any of these tips earlier. If so, what are your experiences?

If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends and colleagues through Facebook and twitter.

Suresh
How to maximize returns from SIP's of Mutual funds

Suresh KP

66 comments

  1. Hi, I would like to invest 10000/- per month from next year for 5 years. Can you please suggest better investment plan for this.

    Thanks.

  2. may i ask your opinion on the following strategy

     link equity and debt funds.when the market is high  transfer units from equity and vice versa. the drawback  is the exit load levied

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *