I've been watching my portfolio cop a battering over the past few months.
It can be a bit challenging watching your hard-earned gains disappear into oblivion.
For me, this is particularly troubling as my partner said we should buy gold at the start of the year.
But I was adamant that this year would be a great year to buy ASX shares.
So far, the price of gold has risen about 15%, with the precious metal now trading at over US$3,000 per ounce.
Over that same period, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down more than 6%, and more losses are expected.
But now is not the time to argue about who was wrong and who was right.
It's too early to tell.
I'm in it for the long term.
And for me, for now, I've just got to stick to the plan.
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Plans change
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."
Boxer Mike Tyson's famous quote offers sound advice to those who face challenges inside and outside the ring.
While it can certainly be taken literally, its powerful meaning transcends boxing, sporting codes, finance, and life.
I've been waiting for the buying opportunity that we're seeing now for a while.
My investment strategy is multi-pronged.
I think it's wise to diversify, and I like to invest in property, gold, cash, currencies, and stocks.
When it comes to shares, I like to buy when they're cheap and hold for the long run.
And now stocks are going on sale.
But at the same time, I can't deny that I feel a degree of wariness or apprehension.
I'm heavily invested in the ASX, and although my rational side sees an opportunity in the current market, my emotional side is telling me to head for the door.
Still, I'm sticking to the plan.
I've already started to deploy funds in shares.
Some will say that I moved too early.
For now, they are right.
But I know, over the long run, this is the right strategy for me.
I'll continue to buy shares at regular intervals as the market continues to go down.
That requires composure.
And funds.
I'm not going to bet the family home on the stock market.
I'm not going to borrow money to buy shares.
I've set my limit, and I'm only going to invest what I can afford to invest.
The only question for me is: What shares will I buy?
I'll continue to regularly top up my Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) holdings as I scour the market for other opportunities.
ASX shares continue to plummet as Trump's tariffs take a toll on global markets, but for some investors, many ASX shares are on sale.
