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We’re often asked, “Should I invest all at once, or wait and phase it in?”
It’s a reasonable question—especially when the headlines are swirling and markets feel unsettled. A natural response is to pause. Wait for things to feel calmer. Look for the right moment.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Waiting for the “perfect time” is usually just a way of putting off the decision.
You don’t need perfect timing. You need a plan.
Markets are unpredictable in the short term, but remarkably consistent over time. They go up more than they go down. In fact, most years are positive, and over longer timeframes, that pattern holds even stronger.
That’s why—statistically—investing a lump sum tends to outperform phasing the money in. Studies from Vanguard and others show that lump-sum investing has historically delivered better results around 70–75% of the time. Simply put: more time in the market means more time for growth and compounding to do their work.
But of course, it’s not just about numbers. For some people, easing in makes sense—especially if it helps them commit to the journey and sleep better along the way. Investing is emotional as well as rational. That’s okay.
What matters most is not how you get started—it’s that you do.
Stay in your seat
One of the great thinkers in Financial Planning, Nick Murray, someone I’d consider an investing genius, put it simply:
“No panic, no sell. No sell, no lose.”
That wisdom doesn’t just apply when markets drop. It also applies at the start.
The biggest risk isn’t choosing the wrong entry strategy—it’s letting fear or indecision keep you on the sidelines. Trying to time your entry rarely works. Even professionals get it wrong. But time in the market, guided by a clear plan, is what builds wealth.
So whatever the strategy—lump sum or phased—the real value is in sticking with it. That’s what we help clients do.
The long view is the only one that matters
The Stoics had a way of cutting through uncertainty. Marcus Aurelius said,
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”
We can’t control markets. We can’t predict what the next quarter holds. But we can control how we respond. We can choose to focus on what matters most: goals, discipline, and staying invested.
That’s what we’re here for.
If you’re sitting on cash and wondering when to act…
Let’s talk. Whether you invest in one go or ease your way in, we’ll help you put your money to work with confidence.
Because the truth is:
The best time to invest is when your plan says you’re ready.
And the worst time? When you’re waiting for certainty that never comes.
