Many people hold back from investing, waiting for the market to “feel safe.” But according to investor and stock market expert, Rajnish Mehan, that moment never really comes. Markets are designed to feel uncertain, and that uncertainty is what drives long-term growth.
“I’ll start investing when the market feels safe,” is a line Mehan says he has heard countless times. Sometimes it comes from a place of caution, sometimes with full conviction. But as he points out, “the irony is that the market never really feels safe. It’s supposed to feel uncertain, that’s the price you pay for growth.”
Mehan explains that volatility, often seen as a threat, can actually be an advantage for disciplined investors. “Volatility is not a barrier, it’s a blessing in disguise,” he says. It keeps people consistent, rewards patience, and discourages those who try to time perfection.
He warns that while there is always some risk in investing, the bigger danger lies in not investing at all. “Because when you don’t invest, inflation compounds against you. Time slips away. Compounding works, but in reverse. And you wake up years later realising that fear didn’t protect you – it cost you.”
So how can investors overcome fear? Mehan suggests practical steps: start with small amounts that don’t feel overwhelming, automate systematic investment plans (SIPs) to remove emotion, pick time-tested funds instead of chasing trends, and review progress every quarter instead of worrying every month.
He also advises setting clear financial goals. “Money without purpose feels riskier,” he explains. Speaking to seasoned investors who have seen market cycles can also provide valuable perspective.
Mehan draws a clear line between risk and fear: “Risk makes you grow. Fear makes you wait. And in the world of compounding, waiting too long can cost more than you think.”
The takeaway is simple. Money that isn’t invested doesn’t stand still – it slowly loses value to inflation. And for those still waiting for a “safe” time to begin, Mehan leaves no doubt: “If you’re waiting for the safe moment to invest, let me save you time: there isn’t one. But there’s a right moment – and that moment is always now.”
