I haven't met 1 single person who got rich holding cash waiting for the crash. Not one. In 13 years.
Here's EXACTLY why...
The crash comes. It always does. & when it comes, it feels like the end of the world. Because that's what a crash feels like.
So the cash guy doesn't buy. He waits for it to "settle." By the time it settles, the discount is gone.
I've watched this happen in 2016, 2018, COVID, 2022, & April 2025. April 2026 Same people, same cash, same excuse every time.
What I do instead. Base portfolio stays invested, always unless the market is a bubble. Then I sell PORTFOLIO SECURED puts 10% below market price on great companies/ETFs. Take cash flow and reinvest. If a crash comes, my ratios are well within check to not only survive, but to capitalize.
Side note I want to be clear about... I do NOT do options just willy nilly like most... I ONLY do it when the setup is VERY compelling.
So yea.. when things go on sale you should be happy. But the person waiting for the crash of the century will like be just that. Waiting forever... It will never feel perfect.