It’s a question investors have asked for decades: “Is now the right time to buy?”

In 2025, that question is as common as ever. With headlines about interest rate cuts, global market volatility, and new technology-driven opportunities, it can be tempting to wait for the “perfect moment” before investing.

However, the truth is that successful investing rarely comes down to timing the market. It comes down to aligning decisions with your personal circumstances and long-term goals.

The Three Questions That Matter

When thinking about whether to invest in shares, consider these fundamentals first:

1. Time Horizon

How long before you’ll need the money?

• If funds are required in the short term—say, within the next two to three years—shares may not be appropriate given their volatility.

• If your investment horizon is longer (five years or more), shares can provide growth opportunities that other assets may not. 

2. Goals

What are you investing in?

• Building wealth for retirement?

• Funding children’s education?

• Creating financial independence?

When your goals are long-term, short-term market movements become less important.  

3. Cash Flow

Do you have the flexibility to leave the money invested?

• If you need to sell quickly to access cash, shares may not be a suitable option.

• If you have strong cash flow and can leave your investments to grow, you’re better placed to ride out short-term volatility.

Timing Isn’t Everything

Markets will always rise and fall. In recent years, Australian and global shares have experienced both substantial recoveries and sharp downturns. Trying to perfectly time these shifts is difficult, if not impossible.

The more critical factor is whether your investments align with your plan and whether you have the discipline to stick to it.

How RPWM Helps

At RPWM, we guide clients to focus less on “Is now the right time?” and more on “Is this the right strategy for me?”

By creating a plan that aligns with your time horizon, goals, and cash flow, and by establishing a straightforward process, you can approach investing with greater clarity and confidence.

Because in the end, the right time to invest is less about the market—and more about you.  If you’d like to explore how investing fits into your bigger financial picture, let’s talk.