That’s a reasonable question. Why would anyone want to invest in a volatile market and in the midst of economic uncertainty?
But recessions create opportunities. Yes, it’s terrible that millions have lost jobs and suffered huge portfolio losses, but the unfortunate reality is recessions happen. Like it or not, this is our current situation. By looking at the market and asking “what opportunities can I find?,” we contribute to the recovery.
We contribute to the recovery in all types of investments: stocks, real estate, side hustles.
When we buy stocks, we infuse capital into companies that we believe in and/or into the market as a whole.
When we buy, renovate and rent properties, we create jobs for contractors, agents and property managers and we offer our tenants a safe, comfortable and well-maintained home.
When we start a side hustle, we build products or services that thrill our clients and create jobs for our team.
When we invest, we participate in the recovery. Recessions are an unfortunate fact of life, but they carry a silver lining. And for newbie investors in particular, recessions can open the door.
Unfortunately, during times of uncertainty, many people surrender to their fear of investing. They sit in cash until it’s too late.
To be clear, I’m not talking about people who don’t have the capital to invest. If someone is financially unstable — if they lack an adequate emergency fund, for example, or if they’re buried in high-interest credit card debt — then they should be applauded for focusing on the fundamentals first. Build the foundation; everything else rests on that.
But many financially stable people will sit on excess piles of cash.
I get it. Investing is scary during a recession.
It’s normal to feel scared of buying index funds, only to watch them drop the next day. It’s natural to feel scared to start a side hustle, when you know this is a tough time for small businesses. It’s normal to feel scared about buying a rental property; what if your tenants lose their jobs?
But by sitting on too much cash, you miss the opportunity to pick up undervalued deals.
You also miss the chance to start building momentum, so that when the economy starts rebounding, you’re already established. You’ve started the side hustle. You own the rental property. You’re not scrambling to get started after the recovery is underway; your projects are in place.
You might not have enough cash to buy cheap assets at this moment. That’s okay. Focus on the fundamentals (like building an emergency fund) and don’t worry.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to invest, though, don’t sit out this opportunity due to fear.
Original Post at Afford Anything
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