What is a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)?
A systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) allows investors to withdraw money from their mutual fund investments in a systematic manner. Investors can instruct a fund as to how much money they would like to withdraw and on which dates.
Hence, a SWP enables investors to set a stream of cash inflows, which they may use for any purpose. For example, a retiree who does not have a pension may opt for a SWP to pay for his monthly expenses.
That said, to withdraw, you need to have a fund. Let us take an example to understand SWP better. Suppose you invest a lumpsum amount of ₹ 20 lakhs in a mutual fund and you place instructions to withdraw ₹ 10,000 every month.
Hence, your invested amount will get reduced each month by ₹ 10,000. However, you will continue to generate a return on the remaining amount based on the performance of the mutual fund.
How Does SWP Work in Mutual Funds?
First of all, you need to have investments in a mutual fund to withdraw from. You can either invest a lumpsum amount in a fund. Or, you can even withdraw from a fund which you have accumulated over time by making systematic investments into it.
Then, you need to select the amount you want to withdraw and the frequency of those withdrawals (monthly, quarterly, etc.). Based on your instructions, the mutual fund will redeem your units and transfer the sales proceeds to your bank account.
There is a taxation aspect here as well. The capital gains earned on mutual fund investments are taxable based on whether they are short-term or long-term in nature and on the fund’s type.
Additional Read: SIP vs SWP
Benefits of SWP in Mutual Funds
The most important benefits of SWP in mutual funds are explained below:
Helps create a stream of cash inflows: An investor can receive fixed cashflows at regular intervals using a SWP, which can help him live sustainably over a long period of time.
Rupee cost averaging: When you make withdrawals at regular intervals, you end up averaging the price at which you sell your mutual funds units. Hence, if the stock market is low, you sell your units at a low price. However, if the market is high, you sell them at a high price. Overall, you do not have to worry about finding the right time or market volatility to sell your units.
Brings discipline in financial management: By knowing how much money he will get and when, an investor becomes disciplined about his overall finances due to a systematic withdrawal plan.
SWPs allow remaining investments to earn a return: Even though a SWP allows investors to withdraw an amount at regular intervals, the remaining investments still continue to earn a return. Hence, if managed well, such investments can last for a long period of time.
SWPs help in tax management: Usually, short term capital gains (STCG) tax is higher than long term capital gains (LTCG) tax in mutual funds. Hence, you can withdraw only LTCG and not STCG to reduce your tax obligation. So, SWPs can also help you in tax management.
Who Should Opt for SWP in Mutual Funds?
SWPs can help retirees without a pension or anyone else who needs a regular stream of cash inflows for their needs. Besides, investors who have accumulated a huge corpus in a mutual fund and want to withdraw can use a SWP to make systematic withdrawals, which can be a lot better than lumpsum withdrawals.
When you make a lumpsum withdrawal, a lot depends upon the current net asset value of a fund, which depends upon the stock market. However, SWPs allow you to take advantage of rupee cost averaging without having to worry about timing the market.
If an investor wants to withdraw money from his mutual fund investments by preserving his principal, then SWPs can help him, too. For this purpose, an investor can withdraw small amounts from his fund, thereby allowing the remaining funds to earn a sizeable return so that the principal can last a long time.
Types of SWP Options in Mutual Funds
The prominent types of SWP in mutual funds are explained below:
a) SWP with a fixed amount: In this type of SWP, you withdraw a fixed amount regularly irrespective of how your investment performs. You get a fixed stream of cash inflows. However, if your investment does not generate sufficient returns, it may deplete your principal.
b) Preserve the principal SWP: In this type of SWP, you preserve the principal by withdrawing only the returns generated by your investment. This kind of SWP helps you preserve your principal forever, but your withdrawals may fluctuate depending upon the performance of your investment.
c) Variable withdrawal SIP: Here, your withdrawal amount changes based on your requirements or based on your investment’s performance. In this case, your withdrawal amount and principal may change. Hence, it requires active management.
How to Start SWP in Mutual Funds?
The first thing you need to do is select the right mutual fund for SWP. When you withdraw money from your investment, the fund needs to generate sufficient returns on your investment based on your goal and risk appetite.
The second thing you have to decide is the withdrawal amount and the frequency of withdrawals. You should use a systematic withdrawal plan calculator to check how sustainable your withdrawals are.
The third thing you should do is ask a tax expert for the tax implications of your withdrawals. Whether you earn an STCG or an LTCG, you will have to pay tax on it. However, you can manage your tax liability after talking to an expert.
Finally, you have to set up a SWP by having investments in a mutual fund. Then, you must inform the fund about the withdrawal amount and the frequency of withdrawals. You will also have to provide your bank account details to receive the funds.
Additional Read: SIP Calculator
Final Takeaway
There is no denying that systematic withdrawal plans can be a great way for people to manage their mutual fund investments. However, SWPs in mutual funds need to be carefully managed. As explained, if you withdraw too much, you can deplete your investments.
Hence, before starting a SWP, you should take stock of your financial needs, the amount of investment you have, your investment goals & risk tolerance, and taxation. You may need the help of a financial expert. So, you should find a reliable expert, who can help you make the most of SWPs.
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