Imagine watching your friends score bonus points in a game while you sit on the sidelines, too scared to join in. Not investing during a market fall might seem like playing it safe, but it can actually cost you more in the long run. When the market drops, many fear losing their money and decide to do nothing. However, this hesitation can mean missing out on opportunities to buy quality assets at lower prices—essentially leaving free money on the table. Think of it as a clearance sale at your favorite store: while everyone else is too nervous to shop, the savvy ones fill their carts with valuable items at a fraction of the regular cost. Over time, these missed opportunities can add up, and your portfolio may never recover the growth that it might have experienced if you had taken advantage of the dip. By not investing, you risk falling behind, much like watching the final score of a game without having participated in any of the action. Embracing the market downturn, instead of avoiding it, means you’re in a better position to ride the eventual upswing and build long-term wealth.
