This is why I don't follow how my portfolio is doing, knowing doesn't give me much actual information and can often encourage bad behavior (admittedly I don't have many investments compared to many).
I mean… that defeats the point, no? Surely you must plan to use the money at some point, even if that is just enjoying the end of your days. That's still a time horizon.
> I don't put money that I might realistically need in the market
While it's great that you might have a time horizon far, far into the future, not everyone has that luxury. In theory, I'm supposed to purchase a home & start a family around this point in my life, so that's a rather quick time horizon for at least some portion of my wealth.
I think you have a point. I should have been more clear. What I'm saying is I don't account for anticipated withdraw when investing. That's not to say I don't or won't do it, just that it's not a consideration when putting the money in.
I treat the question of if I can afford to take money out or if it is a good time to take money out as an entirely separate topic.
I found that trying to optimize investing and weigh risks for a short-term Horizon will drive you crazy.
I consider this an area where the burden of knowledge will hit you pretty hard. Time suck along with stress, and performing at best case a few percent over an automated "MODERATE RISK" button.
I don't have any more time in my life to track anything with the degree that it would take to "be good" at it.
I don't put money that I might realistically need in the market