The first time I heard the phrase “buy the dip,” it sounded almost too easy. Stocks go down, you scoop them up, and then wait for the rebound. Simple, right? But reality has a way of humbling me. I’ve bought into dips before, only to watch prices keep sliding, like stepping onto what I thought was solid ground and realizing it was quicksand. That experience taught me one thing: not every dip is a bargain.
These days, I approach the market with a lot more caution. The world feels messy— e.g., interest rates, inflation, global tensions—and the markets reflect that uncertainty. When I see red days on the charts, I don’t automatically see “opportunity.” Sometimes it’s a warning sign. Jumping in blindly feels a bit like trying to catch a falling knife: sure, I might grab the handle, but there’s just as much chance I’ll grab the blade.
That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped investing. In fact, one of the constants in my portfolio is TLH. I don’t wait for the perfect dip with it, because I believe in it long term. When I look at TLH, I see something steady, something I’m comfortable holding regardless of short-term swings. If the price feels reasonable, I’ll buy—simple as that. I don’t need “once-in-a-lifetime” entry points. For me, it’s more like planting a tree: I can’t predict the weather every season, but if the soil feels right, I trust it has a good chance to take root and grow over time.
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLH)
So my philosophy has shifted. I’m cautious about buying dips just because they’re dips, but I’m not closed off either. If I spot a company or fund that has real strength behind it like TLH does for me, I’m open to adding it to my portfolio. It’s not about timing the bottom; it’s about finding value I believe will stand tall over the long run.
In the end, I see investing as a balance between patience and boldness. I’m not chasing every market drop, but I’m also not afraid to act when I find something solid. Caution keeps me from making reckless moves, but optimism keeps me from missing out on opportunities worth seizing. And somewhere between those two mindsets, I find my stride.
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