5 types of SIPs one should know about and when to choose them to meet your financial goals

The choice of the systematic investment plan (SIP) depends on investor's financial goal, risk tolerance, and investment preferences. But before we start discussing which SIP is best for investor's financial goals. Let’s first understand SIP and its types. 

SIP
A systematic investment plan (SIP) is a method of investing in mutual funds that allows individuals to invest a fixed amount regularly, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. It is suitable for various financial goals, such as saving for a child’s education, planning for retirement, or building a retirement corpus for future needs. 

Equity SIP is suitable for investors who are looking for higher returns in long term and are willing to tolerate market volatility. On the other hand, debt SIPs are ideal for those investors who prioritise capital preservations and are looking for stable income streams. 

What are the different types of SIPs?

1. Regular SIP
2. Top-up SIP
3. Flexible SIP
4. Trigger SIP
5. Perpetual SIP

About regular SIP 
In a regular systematic investment plan (SIP), investors can invest in mutual funds by regularly contributing a fixed amount of money. The interval can be monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly. The investors can choose the start and end date, and also the amount to contribute. 

When to choose this type of SIP?
If you are new to the stock market journey, you can start by investing in regular SIP. To start a regular SIP, investors should have a stable income source and must set clear financial goals. 

Top-up SIP
In top-up SIP, investors have the facility to increase the amount of their SIP investments at regular intervals. Investors can choose to increase their SIP by a fixed amount or percentage. 

When to choose this type of SIP?
This type of SIP is perfect for salaried people. If you receive regular salary increments or bonuses, you can opt for this option. 

Flexible SIP
A flexible systematic investment plan (SIP) allows investors to adjust their investment amounts and intervals based on changing financial conditions. It allows the investor to increase, decrease, or pause their SIP contributions at their convenience. 

When to choose this type of SIP?
If your income is not fixed and fluctuates monthly, a flexible SIP is ideal for you. It will allow you to adjust your contributions accordingly. 

Trigger SIP
A trigger SIP is a type of investment strategy that allows investors to automatically initiate an investment when certain market conditions are met. Investors can automate their investment decisions by triggering SIPs to start, stop, or increase based on market parameters. 

When to choose this type of SIP?
If you believe you have exceptional knowledge about the market dynamics and you know enough about the market timing, then only you should plan to choose the trigger SIP option. 

Perpetual SIP
Perpetual SIP is a type of systematic investment plan that does not have a fixed end date and continues indefinitely. The investment plan continues as long as investors keep contributing at regular intervals. To start a perpetual SIP, investors can leave the SIP termination date column blank on the SIP application form. To stop a perpetual SIP, investors can submit an SIP closure form to the bank and the Asset Management Company (AMC).

When to choose this type of SIP?
If you have long-term financial goals like retirement or your child's education, a perpetual SIP is an excellent option.