Is it better for me to invest in one go or on a more regular basis?
Both are good as you're already thinking of investing your money.
Do you have a lump sum to invest?
Mathematically, investing everything in one go results in a better return in most cases. That's because the markets tend to go up on average. So the earlier you get in, the more your investments can compound. A key word is "in most cases" though. There are cases where it would have been better to wait, for instance right before a big downturn. But those situations are rare, and statistically there is a much higher chance that the markets will go up right after you invest.
We are not cold, mathematical beings though. Our psychology plays a big role in our decisions. When you're just starting, it can be scary to invest a large sum in one go! Just for this reason, it may help you to spread it out over several months. There is nothing wrong with that.
What if I don't have a lump sum, do I need to wait until I have a certain amount to invest?
No. Most of us are paid monthly, so it makes a lot of sense to invest on a monthly basis. It's even better to automate your monthly contributions because it encourages the best saving habits. This is possible with a system of SEPA Direct Debit ("domiciliëring" / "domiciliation"). You set an amount of your choosing, and that amount is automatically pulled from your bank account every start of the month and invested. You can change the amount, or cancel, whenever you wish.
When it comes to savings habits, we cannot come up with better words than Warren Buffett:
Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.
The information provided above is general in nature and is made available for informational purposes only. The information displayed should in no way be considered as personal investment advice, nor as a proposal, recommendation or inducement to buy or sell an investment or to carry out any other transaction of any kind. The use of this information to support your personal investment decisions is done at your own risk and responsibility. The above information is based on sources deemed reliable by Curvo. However, Curvo cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may arise as a result of its inaccuracy or incompleteness. This information is subject to possible changes in legislation and tax treatment.
Do you have a lump sum to invest?
Mathematically, investing everything in one go results in a better return in most cases. That's because the markets tend to go up on average. So the earlier you get in, the more your investments can compound. A key word is "in most cases" though. There are cases where it would have been better to wait, for instance right before a big downturn. But those situations are rare, and statistically there is a much higher chance that the markets will go up right after you invest.
We are not cold, mathematical beings though. Our psychology plays a big role in our decisions. When you're just starting, it can be scary to invest a large sum in one go! Just for this reason, it may help you to spread it out over several months. There is nothing wrong with that.
What if I don't have a lump sum, do I need to wait until I have a certain amount to invest?
No. Most of us are paid monthly, so it makes a lot of sense to invest on a monthly basis. It's even better to automate your monthly contributions because it encourages the best saving habits. This is possible with a system of SEPA Direct Debit ("domiciliëring" / "domiciliation"). You set an amount of your choosing, and that amount is automatically pulled from your bank account every start of the month and invested. You can change the amount, or cancel, whenever you wish.
When it comes to savings habits, we cannot come up with better words than Warren Buffett:
Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.
The information provided above is general in nature and is made available for informational purposes only. The information displayed should in no way be considered as personal investment advice, nor as a proposal, recommendation or inducement to buy or sell an investment or to carry out any other transaction of any kind. The use of this information to support your personal investment decisions is done at your own risk and responsibility. The above information is based on sources deemed reliable by Curvo. However, Curvo cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may arise as a result of its inaccuracy or incompleteness. This information is subject to possible changes in legislation and tax treatment.
Updated on: 31/08/2023
Thank you!