6 Smart Ways to Invest That Extra Cash Now

Never in the history of the stock market has anybody said, “The Dow is down quadruple digits,” but on August 24, 2015, those words were uttered when it opened down 1,089 points. Every investor that saw this immediately had financial chills.

Popular cable networks began using headlines like “Markets in Turmoil” and “meltdown” that only added to the anxiety, but how worried should you be really? In fact, if you have money to put to work somewhere, is now the time? Here's our best advice.

1. Keep Calm and Sit Tight

If you have cash ready to go, don’t do anything just yet. There’s an old adage among investors during downturns: “Don’t catch a falling knife.” While the market has triple-digit velocity to the downside, that’s not time to jump in.

Wait for the situation to stabilize. Remember that even if the market moves 3% or 4% higher before you buy, you’re still getting an incredible bargain compared to only one week ago.

2. Don’t Try to Get Rich Quickly

The same media outlets are saying that this is “a trader’s market,” but most traders lose money. It's often said that 95% of shorter-term traders aren’t profitable. It might be true that the violent swings in the market are a trading opportunity, but it's one most people are better off missing. A few win; most get burned. If you have extra cash, invest for the long term.

3. Look for Dividend-Paying Stocks on Sale

While the media is using words like “turmoil,” professional investors are saying, “sale,” “bargain” and “buying opportunity.” Some of the best companies on the planet are now priced at a double digit discount. When a dividend stock takes a big dip, its dividend yield goes up. That means it’s an even better buy than just looking at price alone.

Stocks like Apple, Disney, General Electric and Deere are now on sale. Apple is down 20% from its April high. That could be a bargain if you do your research and believe that Apple, and many other leading corporations, have good times ahead.

4. Dollar Cost Average

Nobody knows where the stock market will be in a month or a year. Since you can’t predict the future, slowly put your money to work instead of all at once. Dollar cost averaging is simply purchasing at certain intervals. Maybe you purchase 100 shares of certain stock now and if it falls another 2%, you purchase 100 more.

5. Think Defensively

When the market is in a downtrend, follow the pros. Head for defensive stocks – companies that do well in challenging markets. Healthcare companies, utilities, and some food and beverage companies are examples of defensive stocks. These stocks often pay a dividend and work well for a long term hold. Then later, if you have money to deploy, and the market is in better shape, buy cyclical stocks.

6. Don’t Buy Stocks

Don’t feel good about individual stocks? Consider exchange-traded funds, bonds, bond funds, or mutual funds.

The Bottom Line

Don’t listen to the panic. Markets will go through periods of correction, but that doesn’t always mean there is a deep underlying problem that won't correct itself. In fact, pro investors see down markets as an opportunity to buy their favorite names at sale prices.

If you’re not an experienced investor, large, stable companies that pay a dividend that continue to impress are priced at bargains right now. That’s the perfect place to deploy some of that extra cash.