The Silent Wealth Killer: Why Skipping One SIP Can Cost You Lakhs
What Happens When You Skip a SIP Installment?
Skipping your monthly SIP might feel harmless. Maybe you’re planning to go out more this month or cover a small emergency. But this tiny pause in your investment journey could quietly cost you lakhs.
That’s right—missing just one year of SIPs can burn a ₹6 lakh hole in your long-term wealth.
And that’s not just theory. The math backs it.
1. Skipping ₹5,000 Now = Losing ₹6 Lakh Later
Let’s say you invest ₹5,000 monthly for 20 years at a 12% annual return. You’d end up with about ₹49.5 lakh.
But skip just 12 SIPs (one year), and your final amount drops by over ₹6 lakh.
You didn’t lose ₹60,000.
You lost what that ₹60,000 could have become through compounding.
That’s how brutal inconsistency is in investing. The earlier you break the chain, the bigger the long-term damage.
2. SIP Stoppage Ratio: The Red Flag You Can’t Ignore
According to AMFI data, the SIP stoppage ratio in April 2025 hit a shocking 297.74%. That means for every 100 new SIPs started, nearly 298 were discontinued.
By May, it improved to 72.12%, but that still means nearly 3 out of every 4 SIPs were shut down.
This trend isn’t just a statistic—it’s a warning. People are losing investing discipline, and it’s costing them their goals.
3. Miss the Crash, Miss the Comeback
Market dips scare people. Many investors pause SIPs when markets fall, hoping to “wait it out.”
But here’s the truth: market crashes are a blessing in disguise for SIPs.
When prices fall, your SIP buys more units. These cheap units rise in value during recovery, boosting your returns. Skip during the dip, and you lose this golden chance.
It’s like walking out of a store just when everything’s on sale.
4. Your Goals Won’t Wait—Even If You Do
Your SIP isn’t just an investment. It’s a promise—to your retirement, your child’s education, your dream home.
When you skip, you’re not just pausing payments. You’re pushing those dreams further away. And catching up isn’t easy.
A skipped ₹5,000/month today might mean ₹15,000/month later just to stay on track.
Can you really afford that?
5. Inflation Keeps Marching On
Inflation doesn’t care if you hit pause.
When you skip a SIP, your money isn’t growing—but your future costs are.
That ₹1 crore you hoped would give you a comfortable retirement? With inflation, it might only cover the basics if you lose years of compounding.
Skipping SIPs during high inflation is like jumping off a treadmill that’s still running. You don’t stay in place—you fall behind.
6. One Missed SIP Destroys Years of Habit
Habits are fragile. One skip leads to another. Before you know it, you’ve stopped altogether.
Your SIP works because it’s automatic and consistent. Break the cycle once, and it’s hard to rebuild.
Investing success is 20% knowledge, 80% behaviour. SIPs don’t just grow wealth—they build discipline. Miss that, and no strategy will save you.
What to Do Instead of Skipping SIPs
Downsize, Don’t Stop
Can’t afford ₹5,000? Try ₹500. Just stay invested.
Tap Emergency Funds, Not Your SIP
That’s what they’re for. Let your SIPs stay untouched.
Automate and Forget
SIPs should run silently in the background. Less thinking = more consistency.
Think Long-Term
Remember why you started. Goals are not short-term. Neither should your investment be.
Final Thoughts: Skipping SIPs Isn’t Harmless — It’s a Financial Emergency
Skipping SIPs may seem like a small decision. But over time, it can cost you your future dreams, your family’s security, and your peace of mind.
Every missed SIP is a crack in the foundation of your financial future. And over time, those cracks widen.
So, even if it’s a tough month—show up. Every month. No matter what.
Also Read: Pramerica Life Insurance Sets New Standard with 99.18% Claim Settlement Rate
