Invest Early Because Regret Only Comes In One Flavor: Bitter

Have you ever looked back on an investment and felt the pain of regret? It's a common feeling for many investors. Often, we lament, "I should have invested back then." Or we lament not waiting just a few months more. Unfortunately, regret in investing only comes in one flavor... bitter.

The market consistently offers opportunities, most of are obvious only in hindsight. Consider earlier this year (2025). If you invested in January, you might have kicked yourself for not waiting until March or April when markets dipped significantly. On the surface, it seems like you missed out on a short-term bargain by not waiting a few months more. You can read more on this in my article named, "Stop Waiting! How to Overcome Investment Delays and Start Growing Wealth."

However, you participated in something far more valuable: a long-term bargain.

Short-term market fluctuations are impossible to predict reliably. It is forever tempting to wait for these market "flash sales" but ultimately they are just a distraction from a proven investment strategy, buying and holding investments in great companies over the long term. This strategy harnesses the power of compounding and allows time, your most powerful ally, to amplify your returns. This strategy also has the benefit of being within your control. You can control whether or not you take advantage of long-term bargains. You simply invest today. It is impossible to know when short-term bargains from market "flash sales" will be available. 

The key is perspective. In 10 or 20 years, when you look back, you will see many of your investment choices were actually bargains, even those you initially felt uncertain about. Markets have historically trended upward, rewarding those patient enough to endure temporary downturns. The true long-term bargains are the shares of solid, profitable companies with durable competitive advantages that can weather economic storms.

Investing early not only builds wealth but also reduces the bitterness of regret. Instead of dwelling on what you "should have" or "could have" done, proactive investment strategies empower you. By investing consistently over time, regardless of short-term market movements, you're positioning yourself for long-term financial success.

Here is another way to consider this: each investment you make is like planting a seed.

Some seeds grow quickly, while others take their time. Yet, each contributes to a diversified, robust financial garden. If you plant regularly and care for your investments through careful management and periodic review, your financial garden can thrive.

Avoiding the bitterness from regret is as simple as making a conscious decision to start investing today. Even small, regular contributions can significantly impact your financial future thanks to the magic of compound interest. "The eight wonder of the world" according to Albert Einstein. Don’t let fear of market volatility keep you on the sidelines.

The greatest risk is often not investing at all.

So, invest early and often. Focus on what you can control, which is taking advantage of long-term bargains, the enduring value found in stable, successful companies across America and around the globe. I hope when you reflect on your investment journey years from now it is not with regret and bitterness. Your future self will thank you.

Invest In Your Future Today