Explained: 5 reasons why you should avoid skipping mutual fund SIPs for your long-term goals

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have transformed the way individuals invest in mutual funds and with the simplicity of investing small amounts regularly, SIPs have enabled investors to participate in equity markets without worrying about timing. But just as consistency is key to staying fit or achieving career success, it is equally important in investing.

Skipping a SIP instalment might not feel like a big deal at the moment, but over time, it can dent your financial journey in ways that are often underestimated.

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1. It breaks the chain of compounding

One of the biggest advantages of investing through SIPs is the power of compounding which means earning returns on your returns. When you stay invested consistently, your money starts growing exponentially over the long term. Each instalment contributes to a larger base that compounds.

Example: Missing a Rs 5,000 SIP instalment may not hurt immediately, but over 20 years, at a 12% annual return, it could mean a shortfall of over Rs 50,000 – Rs 60,000. Now imagine skipping SIPs multiple times—it can erode lakhs from your goal.

2. You lose out on rupee-cost averaging

Rupee-cost averaging is a natural benefit of SIPs where you invest a fixed amount regardless of market levels. When the markets are low, your SIP buys more units; when markets are high, it buys fewer. Over time, this lowers the average cost of investment.

But when you skip a SIP installment—especially during a market correction—you miss the opportunity to buy at attractive prices, which could have improved your long-term returns.

3. It impacts goal-based investing

Most investors set up SIPs with financial goals in mind—be it retirement, a child’s education, a house purchase, or wealth creation. SIPs are essentially goal-backed commitments. Skipping an instalment may delay or reduce the corpus available when that goal arrives.

Even one missed SIP every year for 10 years is equivalent to an entire year’s worth of investing lost.

4. It breaks financial discipline and habits

SIP investing helps build strong financial discipline. Much like paying an EMI or utility bill, it becomes part of your monthly planning. When you skip a SIP, you risk disrupting this habit. A single miss may become a pattern—and that’s where trouble begins.

5. You could jeopardize your SIP mandate

Repeated missed payments may lead to failed auto-debits or cancellations of your SIP mandate by the fund house or your bank. Reactivating it takes effort, and meanwhile, your investment plan suffers. It also may impact your credibility if tied to financial behaviour tracking in the future.

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Identify reason for miss of SIP and take necessary action

Identify the reason and take necessary action such as –

• Lower your SIP amount temporarily. Most AMCs allow this.
• Pause the SIP (if allowed) but only for the minimum period and resume as soon as possible.
• Avoid withdrawing existing investments unless absolutely necessary.

One should remember, skipping should be the last option—not the default one.

Real cost of skipping SIPs: A scenario

For illustration only; assumes SIP made monthly

Skipping a SIP might seem minor, but it impacts returns, discipline, and long-term financial planning. The markets will have ups and downs, but your investing habit should remain steady. SIPs aren’t about timing the market—they’re about time in the market.