Balance 2020: Investing and Sleeping – Consistency Saves the Day

As we continue our “Balance 2020” series, let’s talk about consistency.  Fun!  Investing consistently and sleeping consistently are proven to be very effective and healthy over time.  Consistency is a good, balanced way to reach your goals and “save the day”.

Unlike the challenge that I’ve had with my eating habits mentioned in the previous article, I have to say that I am a VERY good sleeper.  I can fall asleep quick, and I can nap on queue.  I definitely stick with a good sleep schedule because I have found that I can be more productive during the day, and I’m in a better mood.  According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, a sleep schedule can help you get enough sleep which, in turn, has benefits including getting sick less often, maintaining a healthy weight, lowering risk of diabetes and heart disease, reducing stress, and improving mood and mental clarity.   Sign me up!!!

Staying consistent with investing has similar benefits.  It even has a name – Dollar-Cost Averaging.Dollar-cost averaging is investing a consistent dollar amount at regular intervals of time, no matter what’s going on in the market.  You know … like a SCHEDULE.  It may sound boring, just like a sleep schedule, but the benefits include removing emotion, investing more overall through disciplined saving, and protecting yourself against poor market timing by averaging in.

The evidence is clear.  Let’s continue to pursue balance in 2020 and implement consistency.  It’s important to get enough sleep. Sleep helps keep your mind and body healthy.  Investing consistently with dollar-cost averaging is also a good, balanced technique that aims to facilitate reaching your goals.  So, don’t be intimated by schedules – let’s embrace consistency and save the day!

The information provided here is for general information only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuation in price levels of such securities. An investor should consider their ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.