Trying to time the market may be costing you more than you think.

Most investors believe they need to wait for the "right" time to invest. They watch the headlines, hope for the perfect entry point, and convince themselves they'll know when the market is finally ready. But that perfect moment rarely comes. In reality, waiting often becomes one of the biggest obstacles to building long-term wealth. 

Key Takeaways:
   • What dollar cost averaging really is—and why you're probably already using it without realizing it.
   • Why trying to time the market often creates more stress, fear, and missed opportunities than long-term success.
   • How consistent investing helps remove emotion from financial decisions and builds confidence over time.
   • The key differences between dollar cost averaging and lump sum investing—and when each strategy makes the most sense.
   • What Vanguard's research reveals about getting your money invested sooner rather than later.
   • Why younger investors and retirees should approach dollar cost averaging differently based on their time horizon and income needs.
   • How automating your investments creates a stronger financial system that doesn't rely on perfect timing or perfect discipline.

Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – What Dollar Cost Averaging Really Means
(04:10) – How Retirees Use Dollar Cost Averaging Too
(05:45) – Why Emotions Matter More Than Market Timing
(07:05) – Investing During Market Highs And Market Crashes
(09:00) – Why Younger Investors Benefit From Market Volatility
(10:45) – Adjusting Investment Strategies in Retirement
(11:50) – Dollar Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum Investing
(13:10) – Combining Lump Sum and Consistent Investing
(15:05) – What Vanguard Research Reveals About Investing
(17:10) – Why Time In The Market Beats Waiting
(19:00) – Who Should Choose Dollar Cost Averaging
(21:00) – Matching Investment Strategy To Risk Tolerance
(22:15) – The Hidden Cost Of Trying To Time Markets
(24:00) – Missing The Best Trading Days Can Cost Thousands
(25:20) – Automating Investments For Long-Term Success
(26:35) – Building A Financial System That Removes Emotion

Key Topics Discussed:
Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach, Retirement Planning, Investing Strategies, Financial Guidance for High Earners, Dollar Cost Averaging, lump sum investing, Trying to Time the Markets

Mentions: 

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/
Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/
Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/
Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelraco
Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice.  Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own.  Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. 

Guest speakers and the firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning, LLC and opinions stated are their own. Guardian subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation.

All investments in investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. All scenarios. Names mentioned here are purely fictional and have been created solely for educational purposes. Any resemblance to existing situations, person or fictional characters is coincidental. The information presented should not be used as the basis for any specific investment advice.

Links to external sites are provided for your convenience in locating related information and services. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof.

Michael Acosta and Brady Hemmerle are Registered Representatives and Financial Advisors of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Michael Acosta's CA Insurance License # 0M50974. Brady Hemmerle’s CA Insurance License # 4353077.  7237198.43 Exp 8/28