Step-up SIP vs a one-time top-up each bonus season
Different habits, similar intent
A step-up SIP raises the monthly mandate on a schedule—often once a year—so contributions grow with salary without a new decision each time. A bonus top-up leaves the SIP flat and invests a lumpsum when variable pay arrives. Both aim to invest more as income grows; they fail in different ways: step-ups get paused when cash is tight, bonuses get spent when celebrations win.
Model both with the same long goal
Run a base SIP with a realistic step-up percentage in the step-up calculator. Separately, keep a flat SIP and run expected bonus amounts through the lumpsum calculator (or as extra months in a mental sum). Compare corpus and, more importantly, which calendar you will still follow in a dull appraisal year.
A hybrid that often survives
Use a modest automatic step-up (5–10%) so the floor rises, and treat bonuses as optional top-ups after emergency-fund and high-interest debt checks. Skipping a bonus hurts less than cancelling a stepped-up EMI-like SIP you can no longer afford.
Results from FinanceChacha are estimates for planning, not financial or tax advice. Read the disclaimer.
Try the calculators
Open a calculator this guide refers to and run your own numbers.