Smarter Bets, Better Outcome

Questions about when to invest, when to buy, and when to sell are difficult to answer – even for the most experienced investors. Waiting for “the perfect moment” often leads to missed opportunities, especially when uncertainty and market fluctuations cause hesitation or fear.

Successful investors don’t focus on perfect timing; they focus on staying invested, because the longer money remains in the market, the more it benefits from compounding returns, which can significantly grow wealth over time.

Invest with Intent

Market ups and downs are normal and part of the investment cycle. There’s no need to panic during downturns. For example, during the COVID-19 market crash in early 2020, many investors sold their holdings in a panic. Yet those who held firm – or invested more during the dip – were rewarded with strong returns as markets rebounded rapidly. Staying calm and committed during uncertainty is critical.

The true goal of investing is to work steadily toward long-term objectives, and doing so requires patience and discipline. Whether you invest for retirement, for buying a house, or for your child’s education, your investment strategy is key to realising your goals.

Focus Builds Wealth

Staying the course is more important than timing when it comes to investing. Consider this: If you invest R10,000 with an average annual return of 10% for 20 years – and stay invested – your R10,000 could grow to approximately R67,300! That’s more than six times your initial investment. This demonstrates the true power of compound interest that rewards an investor who has patience and commitment to their goals.

If instead, the investor takes a conservative approach and stores the amount in a traditional savings account, the return would be much lower. After considering inflation, the money might even lose purchasing power.

It’s important to play the long game. To quote Warren Buffet: "Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago."

The Value of Trusted Guidance

Having a trusted financial advisor is essential in developing a personalised plan tailored to your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance – all in support of maximising your long-term outcomes. They also provide valuable guidance during market volatility, helping you to avoid costly emotional decisions.

With the right guidance and a long-term mindset, investing becomes less about reacting to markets and more about building a future that you can count on.