If you find it difficult to decide when to invest, consider a dollar cost averaging strategy. Dollar cost averaging involves investing a set amount of money in the same investment on a periodic basis. For instance, instead of investing $48,000 in one stock immediately, you might decide to invest $4,000 in that stock at the beginning of each of the next 12 months. Thus, you don't need to think about when to invest. You just follow your strategy and continue to invest on a periodic basis.
Dollar cost averaging is a defensive strategy that can help protect you from making a major investment when prices are high, especially during volatile periods. If the investment increases in value over that time, you still will have purchased some shares at lower prices.
Since you are investing a fixed amount of money, you purchase more shares when prices are lower and fewer shares when prices are higher. Thus, your average cost per share is typically lower than the average market price per share.
While dollar cost averaging is a good strategy for developing the habit of regular investing, it does require the discipline to invest consistently. However, it neither guarantees a profit nor protects against loss in a prolonged declining market. Because dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment regardless of fluctuating price levels, investors should carefully consider their financial ability to continue investing through periods of low prices.