When people want to invest for a long time, they have many choices. The three most popular are SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), SSY (Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana), and PPF (Public Provident Fund). All three are safe and give good returns. But which one will help the most in the long run? Let’s see with some calculations.
People have many options to invest for a long time. Among them, SIP, SSY, and PPF are the most common. All three give tax benefits, but their returns and goals are different.
SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)
In SIP, a person puts a fixed amount of money every month in mutual funds. This is flexible and has no fixed lock-in period. If you continue for 10–15 years, you get better returns. Equity SIP can give about 12% return every year. You can also invest in ELSS for tax benefits. For example, if you invest ₹5,000 every month for 15 years at 12% return, you can get around ₹25 lakh at the end.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
SSY is a saving scheme for daughters. You can open the account only in your daughter’s name. Till August 2025, it gives 8.2% yearly interest. You have to deposit for 15 years, and the account stays active until the daughter is 21. All investment, interest, and maturity money are tax-free. If you deposit ₹1.5 lakh every year for 15 years, you can get about ₹65 lakh when your daughter turns 21.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is safe and traditional. You can put ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh every year. The interest rate in August 2025 is 7.1%. The lock-in period is 15 years. All money, interest, and maturity are tax-free. If you invest ₹1.5 lakh every year for 15 years, you can get around ₹40 lakh.
Which to Choose?
- If you want high returns and can take risk, choose SIP.
- If you have a daughter and want to secure her future, choose SSY.
- If you want safe and tax-free money, choose PPF.