Understanding Long Term Investing: What It Actually Means and Requires to Work for You

Everyone says "invest for the long term" and "stay the course"—but what does that actually mean? When the market drops 12% within a few weeks, is your 10-year timeline really "long-term enough"? 

In this episode, Eric and Kali cut through the vague advice and give you specific numbers: how many years you actually need, what returns to expect, and why being a long-term investor is one of the hardest things you'll do with your money.

Through real market data spanning 30 years, plus examples from the tariff-induced volatility of 2025, Eric and Kali explain why staying invested through full market cycles (which will cover both highs and lows) is hard but necessary—and how to actually do it without losing your mind.

Whether you're just starting to invest or wondering if you should wait for the "right time" to put cash to work, this episode gives you the framework to build a portfolio that works with and through market cycles, rather than trying to chase the impossible goal of beating them.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. When you talk about long-term investing, you need to think in decades rather than years. Although something like 5 years can feel like a considerable amount of time, it’s quite quick in the investment world. We often tell clients that money they invest should be committed to the market for at least 10 years, and ideally, much longer. The longer your time horizon, the more confident you can feel about your ability to ride out market volatility and normal market movements (which can include downturns).

2. Cash drag will cost you. You cannot leave excess cash sitting on the sidelines because it will lose purchasing power over the decades thanks to inflation. While all investing carries risk, so does failing to participate in the markets at all.

3. Your investment portfolio will not make up for a poor savings habit. You can’t rely on investment returns to make up for a lack of saving. Success comes from successfully doing the little things, the average thing, over an un-average amount of time. Consistency over 30 years is the real wealth builder.

4. Don't check your portfolio obsessively. Monthly or daily checking amplifies emotional reactions; annual check-ins help maintain perspective.

5. Get a plan before chaos hits. It's nearly impossible to stay calm during the biggest market downturns without a strategy already in place… especially because those dips and volatility often.

6. Lump sum beats dollar-cost averaging 60%+ of the time. If you have cash to invest, data shows getting it in the market immediately usually outperforms waiting.

7. Staying in the market outperforms market timing and sitting in cash. The numbers paint a clear picture: investors who try to jump in and out of the market end up missing the best days. Even if they also miss some of the worst, failing to experience the peaks is more costly than dodging some of the downturn.

Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule