Quote:
Originally Posted by WSSix
My purchases are always long term. While I was happy I got to add to my positions at a relative discount compared to the prices they had been, I know in another 5 years it won't matter. I just get a kick out of picking up stocks on a down day versus it going down the day after I purchase. The later happens more than the former so I celebrate all little victories. Woot!  |
Great post Trey! Because that's the message that is "correct". It DOES feel better to get a bit of a deal... and investing is VERY emotional. You need "confirmation" that what you're doing is right - not wrong. I get that it's not about the few bucks saved... Longer term - you're absolutely right - it won't matter one bit.
What I am also trying to convey though --- is that it doesn't always work this way -- or snap quite so dramatically. It's wonderful when it does... but get your heads wrapped around that we WILL -- WITH CERTAINTY -- make these buys one day, and then just bleed for a long time. What I've always tried to get everyone to get ready for is when your buys/investments/markets DON'T work the way we've become quite used to. This is why I say to use this period to learn -- to remember the basics - like reminding yourself with the charts that HISTORICALLY we're more about lower on the left and higher on the right... and to remember the euphoria you feel when the market is with you... and that it WILL be like that again - and that you're still earning money on your money with the dividends etc.
Time is totally relevant! I like to look at my stocks more like living in my house... It doesn't have much value while I'm living there other than to keep me dry and warm (the dividends). The value only becomes important when I want to sell it.