Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Perfect Time to Invest

Spoiler: it doesn’t exist – but the cost of waiting is real

“How’s the market looking?”
“I’ll start investing when things settle down.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many professionals, especially high earners and business owners, hesitate to invest because they’re waiting for the perfect moment.

But here’s the truth: there is no perfect time to invest. And waiting on the sidelines often causes more harm than good.

Why Timing the Market Rarely Works

Trying to predict market highs and lows is a bit like trying to predict the weather six months in advance. It’s not impossible, but it’s highly unreliable.

Even professional fund managers with decades of experience struggle to time the market consistently. And while you’re waiting for “the right time,” your money could be missing out on compounding growth. Some of the market’s most significant gains often happen right after its worst downturns. Missing just a few of these top-performing days can drastically reduce your long-term returns.

Let’s put it plainly:
Time in the market beats timing the market.

The Cost of Waiting

Say you wait one year to start investing £50,000, hoping for better conditions. If the market grows at a modest 5%, that delay could cost you £2,500 in potential gains. Over 10 or 20 years, the compounding effect of that missed year can run into tens of thousands.

In contrast, investors who commit early and stay consistent tend to outperform those who jump in and out based on fear, headlines, or guesswork.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

1. Start Sooner – Even If It’s Small

You don’t need to invest everything at once. A regular investment, helps smooth out market volatility and builds confidence over time. This is known as pound-cost averaging.

2. Focus on Your Goals, Not Market Noise

Your financial goals, whether it’s retirement, children’s education, or business exit, have timelines that likely span years or decades. Short-term headlines are irrelevant to that bigger picture.

3. Work with an Independent Financial Adviser

An IFA helps you build a strategy tailored to your risk profile, goals, and circumstances . They can help provide reassurance and guidance through market volatility to help you avoid making irrational decisions.

Investing Is a Discipline, Not a Gamble

At FTA Financial & Wealth Management, we often remind clients: The best time to invest was yesterday. The second-best time is today.

Don’t wait for the markets to feel perfect. Don’t wait for the news to calm down. Don’t wait until your schedule is quieter. Because in the meantime, your financial future is standing still, or worse, falling behind.

Ready to get started?

We’ll help you invest with clarity, confidence, and a long-term plan tailored to your goals.

This article is for information purposes only and are not a personal recommendation or advice. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested.