Subject: My Investing Game Plan During Uncertain Times
Hey Friends,
With all the market uncertainty lately, I wanted to take a moment to share my personal investing game plan with you. These are the exact steps I’m taking to stay on track and even find opportunities in the midst of all the noise.
I know how tempting it can be to react emotionally when markets are shaky—I’ve been there before. But over time, I’ve learned that sticking to a disciplined strategy is what builds long-term wealth. So, here are my top three actions during uncertain times, plus some real examples from my own portfolio.
1. Keep Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) into Core Holdings
The market can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean I stop investing. Instead, I stay consistent by dollar-cost averaging (DCA).
For example, I’ve been investing $50 per week into VOO (the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) since May 2023. Even with market ups and downs, I’ve seen a 19.07% unrealized gain so far. Rather than trying to time the market, I stick to my plan and let the power of compounding do its thing.
I’m also keeping an eye on my dividend ETFs, SCHD and VTI, and will continue adding on a regular basis. If there’s a significant dip in these, I might even increase my weekly contributions for a short period.
2. Focus on High-Quality Dividend Stocks & REITs
Since I rely on dividend income as part of my investing strategy, I make sure my holdings are solid even when the market is turbulent. Right now, one of my biggest holdings is Realty Income (O), a high-quality REIT that pays monthly dividends.
I originally bought O at $56.7, but with the stock now sitting around $51.82, I see this as a great opportunity to dollar-cost average. If the price drops closer to $50, I’ll likely buy more aggressively. While REITs are under pressure due to high interest rates, I believe in Realty Income’s long-term strength, and I’m happy to collect dividends while I wait for recovery.
I’m also keeping an eye on other dividend stocks that could be undervalued, like EPD (energy), PFE (pharma), and MSFT (tech with dividends). If I see a great buying opportunity, I’ll take advantage of it.
3. Keep Cash Ready for Opportunistic Buys
While I believe in staying invested, I also know the importance of having cash ready for when great deals appear. Right now, I’m keeping some funds in short-term T-bills and money market funds, which are paying over 5% interest. This lets my cash earn something while I wait for better stock entry points.
If we see a 5-10% market pullback, I plan to deploy some of this cash into my core positions like VOO, SCHD, and O. I’ve learned that buying high-quality assets at a discount pays off in the long run.
At the end of the day, uncertain times can be challenging, but they also present opportunities. By sticking to my plan, focusing on quality, and keeping cash ready for dips, I’m positioning myself for long-term success.
I’d love to hear from you—what’s your strategy in uncertain markets? Are you buying, holding, or waiting on the sidelines? Let’s chat in the comments!
Stay focused and invest wisely,
Joshua Adi
Financial Disclaimer
The information provided on HelpyYourFinances.com is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, it is important to remember that financial decisions are personal and should be tailored to your individual circumstances.
We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions. The content on this website should not be considered a substitute for professional financial advice, analysis, or recommendations. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.
