SIP Delay Cost – A Shocking Truth

Delaying your SIP by just a few years could cost you lakhs in the long run. Discover the real cost of procrastination and why starting early is non-negotiable.

18/06/2025

Introduction

 We often think: “I’ll start my SIP next year, once I’m financially stable.”
But delaying your SIP by even 3–5 years could mean losing out on lakhs of potential returns — even if your monthly amount is the same.

Let’s explore how costly SIP procrastination really is, with a relatable real-life example.

The Math Behind SIP Delay

SIPs thrive on time and compounding. The earlier you start, the more your money multiplies — even with the same monthly amount. 

 Real-Life Example: Aman vs. Neha

  • Aman started a SIP of ₹5,000/month at age 25 and continued till age 45 (20 years).
  • Neha started the same SIP at age 30 — only 5 years later — and also invested for 20 years.
💼 Assumed CAGR: 12%
Investor SIP Duration Monthly SIP Final Corpus
Aman 20 years ₹5,000 ₹49.9 Lakhs
Neha 20 years ₹5,000 ₹27.6 Lakhs
Neha lost ₹22.3 Lakhs just by starting 5 years late! 

  Why This Happens It’s not just about the number of years — it's about how compounding accelerates in later years. Delaying SIPs means you miss those powerful compounding years at the end.

Conclusion

Waiting even a few years to start your SIP can cost you big.

So, don’t wait for the “perfect time” — just start small and start now.

Begin your SIP journey today — even ₹500 is a start. Let compounding do the heavy lifting.

Summary Table: SIP Start Timing vs Final Corpus (12% CAGR)

Start Age SIP/month Tenure Final Corpus
25 ₹5,000 20 yrs ₹49.9 Lakhs
30 ₹5,000 20 yrs ₹27.6 Lakhs
35 ₹5,000 20 yrs ₹15.2 Lakhs

Dr. Satish Vadapalli
Research Analyst