Picking the perfect time to buy index funds is impossible to know in the present, but is apparent when looking at past performance. Instead of trying to time the market and make short-term gains, many experts offer the investment advice that simply being in the market over long periods is more important than waiting for the perfect time to buy. Although there may be times investment prices drop and these assets can be purchased at a discount, you won’t know when they’re coming or when the bottom has been reached. Historically, the stock market continues to hit record highs. Waiting to get a discount could save you a little money, but it could also result in you missing out on the current prices if investments continue their long-term trend up.