Why We Don't Question Carrying Umbrellas?

In Mumbai, June is a month of uncertainty. One minute it’s blazing hot, the next - the skies open up without warning. And yet, most of us carry an umbrella. Not because it’s already raining, but because it might.

We don’t wait for the first drop to go shopping for umbrellas. We take them out in advance, knowing full well that even if today is sunny, tomorrow could be a downpour. The umbrella becomes our silent weapon - a simple tool that saves us from chaos.

Oddly enough, this very logic is often forgotten when it comes to our finances. Most investors want to “time” the market. They wait for the perfect entry point. They follow headlines, economic predictions, even astrological forecasts, hoping to invest only when the conditions are ideal.

But markets, like weather, move on their own terms.

They rise without notice. They fall when you least expect it. And the biggest gains often come in short, unpredictable bursts. If you miss even a few of those good days, your long-term returns could take a serious hit. This is why seasoned investors don’t obsess over timing. They focus on discipline.

Just like carrying an umbrella every day in June might seem unnecessary on some mornings, investing through monthly systematic investment plans (SIPs) might feel boring during flat markets or downturns. But the magic lies therein. This very habit - regular, automatic, and emotion-free - helps you achieve financial goals and financial freedom.

A good investor doesn’t predict the market. They prepare for it.

Think of your SIPs as your financial umbrella. You may not need them to perform immediately, but when volatility hits, they shield you. When markets recover, they make sure you're already in.

And just like Mumbaikars would never forget their umbrella in June, serious investors never skip their SIPs. Importantly, besides SIPs, it is necessary for you to keep doing lumpsum investments frequently, without worrying about markets. Just ensure your time horizon is long term (5+ years).

So, the next time someone asks, “Is this the right time to invest?” - just smile and point to the umbrella in your bag. The goal isn’t to wait for the rain. It’s to be ready when it comes.

Conclusion

Don't wait to invest. Invest and then wait. The best time to invest is as soon as you have the money to. Don't try to time the market - your time spent in the market (remaining invested) beats timing the market. The pessimist bear may sound smart, but the optimist bull creates wealth. Keep deadlines. Execute. Don't indulge in analysis-paralysis. Scared money never wins.

Inspired by a LinkedIn post by Sumaira Abidi of SBI Mutual Fund.

(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)