[bern4444]

This "6 months" time frame is different for everyone - I keep over a year in cash.

Not even bonds/CDs - just a high yield account. It is instantly accessible when I need it.

If and when the market ever drops 30+% and a recession starts to loom (seems pretty close to what's going on now) - I never have to worry will I be okay, what if I lose my job, what if I get hit with some massive unexpected expense.

I have money in the bank to get me through it all. I won't be forced to sell any equity at a time when its worth a lot less, I won't have to change my lifestyle one iota.

That security is worth the potential loss of future gains. I already have a lot in the market anyway and I keep adding more.

I'm also single with no kids so 1+ year in cash looks very different for me vs someone married with kids and all the associated costs. Even so, it's an approach I find very comforting and I hope to maintain when I'm further along.