Why SIPs Alone Don’t Make You Rich (But This One Habit Does)
- Nagaraja Sirigeri
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Most People Think SIP = Wealth.
But that’s only half the truth.
SIPs or Systematic Investment Plans are undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth. They allow investors to put in small, regular amounts and stay invested through market ups and downs. They help in rupee cost averaging, reduce the pressure of timing the market, and build a saving habit.
But here’s the catch: 👉 SIPs are tools. They only work if you use them the right way—consistently and patiently.
Think of SIPs like a pair of dumbbells in a gym. Owning them doesn’t guarantee fitness. It’s the discipline of lifting them every day, over months and years, that builds strength.
In the world of investing, that discipline is what truly builds wealth—not the SIP itself.
The Data: SIPs Fail More Often Than They Should
Let’s look at what’s really happening out there.
📉 According to data from the Indian mutual fund industry:
Nearly 56% of investors discontinue their SIPs within 3 to 3.5 years.
Now, let that number settle in.
This means more than half of investors quit before compounding—the force that turns time and patience into real wealth—has even started working in their favor.
This is like planting a mango tree, watering it for a few months, then digging it up because it didn’t give fruit fast enough. You don’t grow wealth by starting a SIP. You grow wealth by staying with it long enough for it to do its job.
Everyone Talks About 12–15% Returns… But Here’s the Truth Behind Them
The internet and financial influencers love showcasing fancy numbers: “Start an SIP and get 15% returns!” “Double your money in 5 years!”
But here’s what historical SIP return data in Indian equity markets actually shows:
Investment Duration | What Typically Happens |
0–7 Years | High volatility. Your portfolio could show flat or even negative returns. |
10+ Years | More consistent returns. 10–12% annualised returns are realistic and achievable. |
15+ Years | 18–22% CAGR is rare, not guaranteed. 10–15% is more typical. |
The real secret behind those double-digit returns? It’s not market timing. It’s not aggressive SIP amounts. It’s time + behaviour.

So, Why Do Most Investors Quit Early?
Three reasons stand out:
Unrealistic Expectations People expect SIPs to show quick results, like a fixed deposit. When they don’t see growth in 1–2 years, they assume it isn’t working.
Lack of Guidance Many investors don’t receive real-world education about volatility, market cycles, and the timeframe SIPs are designed for. They panic at the first dip.
No Emotional Commitment Investing is a long-term game. But we often bring a short-term mindset, checking NAVs weekly and reacting to headlines instead of staying the course.
SIPs Don’t Make You Rich. Discipline Does.
At KaryamFinserv, we believe that SIPs are powerful—but only when backed by the right mindset. That’s why we don’t just help clients start SIPs. We help them stay committed.
Here’s how:
🔹 We help you build emotional clarity around money.
Understanding why you’re investing—whether for retirement, children’s education, or wealth creation—makes it easier to stick with the plan.
🔹 We help you stay mentally invested for a decade or more.
We guide you through the emotional ups and downs that come with long-term investing, so you’re not tempted to stop when things get tough.
🔹 We show you that true wealth = time × habit, not just capital.
Consistency is more powerful than intensity. Even small SIPs, continued patiently for years, create real financial transformation.
And most importantly:
❌ No fake hopes. ❌ No “double-your-money” promises. ✅ Just calm, clear, behavior-focused planning.
Because real wealth isn’t created in the market. It’s created in the mindset with which you approach money.
If you’re planning to start or restart a SIP, take a moment and reflect:
“Can I stay with this for at least 10 years—through ups, downs, and zero likes on my portfolio?”
If your answer is yes, you’ve already built the foundation of wealth.
If your answer is maybe, you don’t need a bigger SIP. You need a better support system someone to help you stay on course.
That’s exactly what we do.
📩 Want to start your journey to financial clarity and long-term wealth?
Let’s make your SIP journey not just consistent but meaningful.
