To stay ahead of inflation, your money needs to earn more than many traditional savings accounts pay. Our research indicates the best strategy for a long-term investor is to invest at the first possible moment—regardless of what’s happening in the market.*
How to start — three important steps.

  • Create a realistic and actionable investment plan—update it as your circumstances change.
  • Diversify your portfolio—and start now. The longer you wait, the less you will earn.†
  • Keep an eye on your portfolio and remember you are investing for the long term.
Footnotes
* Source: Schwab Center for Financial Research, “What is the Right Time to Invest?” by Mark W. Riepe at schwab.com/marketinsight. Average results remained unchanged when the study was extended to 12-month periods that begin with a month other than January. In the case of the 12-month period that goes from February to January, Investor B invested immediately on the first day of February in each 12-month period for 20 years. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
 
† Diversification strategies do not assure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.
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