The One Financial Move Many Regret Delaying: Starting SIPs Late

Talk to anyone in their 30s or 40s about money and chances are, you’ll hear one common regret: “I wish I had started my SIPs earlier.” Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) may sound boring, but over time, they quietly build wealth. For India’s middle class—especially in Tier 2 cities where income is steady but limited—this delay often means years of missed financial security.

The Power of Starting Early
The main advantage of starting SIPs early isn’t about how much you invest, but how long you stay invested. A ₹2,000 monthly SIP started at age 22 could grow into something massive by 45—much more than the same amount started at 30.

That’s the power of compounding. Time works in your favour. But most people only realise this once they’re well into their working life.

Why People Delay
In smaller cities like Raipur, Nashik, or Indore, fixed deposits and gold still dominate household savings. Mutual funds are seen as “risky” or too complex. So many young earners focus on saving, not investing—and that makes all the difference.

There’s also a mindset issue. Many wait for a higher salary, fewer expenses, or some perfect moment that never really comes.

Short-Term Thinking, Long-Term Cost
A lot of money gets spent on things that don’t hold value—gadget upgrades, impulse shopping, short holidays. None of these are wrong. But they quietly take the place of consistent investing.

Years pass. And when responsibilities increase—home loans, child’s education, health emergencies—people wish they had a safety net. SIPs could’ve been that.

It’s Not Too Late, But It Could’ve Been Easier
The good news? You can start SIPs anytime. Even starting in your 30s or 40s is better than never. But the earlier you begin, the less pressure you feel later. The monthly amount can stay small, and you still build wealth over time.

For Tier 2 city earners especially, where job growth can be slower and retirement planning is often ignored, SIPs offer a steady, low-maintenance way to create future stability.

Conclusion
Most people don’t regret what they bought—but what they didn’t invest in soon enough. SIPs aren’t flashy or exciting. But they work, quietly and powerfully. If you’re still thinking about when to begin, the answer is simple: the earlier, the better. And if you missed that train already, the second-best time is today.