"Here are some reasons it makes more sense for some people to invest periodically instead: Markets are volatile.... The difference between investing the lump sum and dollar-cost averaging periodically, say once a month for a year, is going to be small.... Investing periodically will keep you more interested in investing advice.... The extra time will allow you to become more comfortable with the markets and your asset allocation.... Spreading out your investments will give you more opportunities to tax-loss harvest."  MORE >>