An investor I spoke with recently slumped in his chair, frustrated. “Doug, I always feel like I’m too late. I see stocks skyrocketing and wonder—why didn’t I invest sooner?”
Are you an investor who watches from the sidelines as others profit, convinced you missed your opportunity. Don’t despair! Investment wins never look obvious at the start. They often seem too risky, early, or uncertain. By the time they look like a sure thing, the biggest gains are gone.
Why Investors Hesitate—and Miss Out
I asked, “When you first heard about Amazon, did you think it would dominate global commerce?”
He shook his head. “No, it was just an online bookstore.”
“That’s why most investors missed it,” I said. “The best opportunities never come with a guarantee.”
The biggest barrier to success may not be a lack of knowledge—it’s hesitation. Investors fear being wrong, so they wait for certainty. But certainty only comes after a stock has already moved.
A Smarter Strategy for Catching Big Opportunities
Instead of chasing trends, I advised, “You need a strategy that positions you for success—without reckless risks.” We then discussed:
- Diversifying strategically. Build a strong foundation with index funds, then allocate a portion of your portfolio to high-growth investments. This way, you gain exposure to potential winners without risking everything.
- Playing the long game. Don’t try to time the market. Investors who stay invested often see the biggest gains. Holding a great performing stock for 20 years? That’s how people build wealth.
- Keeping an opportunity fund. Cash isn’t just for emergencies—it’s for opportunities. When a great investment comes along, will you be ready to act?
Be Prepared
Before the meeting ended, I emphasized, “The next Amazon or Google will come along. You don’t need to guess what it is. You just need to be ready when it appears.”
Most investors wait too long. The best investors prepare so they can act when the right moment comes. Want to be ready when a great investing opportunity knocks? Let’s build a strategy that works for you. Schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation to see how we can help.
The author may own mentioned securities; this is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Douglas Goldstein, CFP® is the director of Profile Investment Services, Ltd. www.Profile-Financial.com. He is a licensed financial professional both in the U.S. and Israel. Call (02) 624-2788 for a consultation on how to set up your American assets to meet your financial goals. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates. Neither PRG nor its affiliates provide tax or legal advice.
Published November 5, 2025.