Why automation works
Automatic contributions happen when markets are rising and when they are falling, which is precisely when a manual investor is most tempted to stop.
It also removes the recurring decision of when, which is the decision most likely to be made emotionally.
Reviewing the amount
Revisit the contribution amount when income changes rather than when markets move. Increasing contributions alongside income is one of the most effective levers available.
Why this matters
Consistency is the part of investing you control completely.
Terms used in this lesson
- Dollar-cost averaging
- Investing a fixed amount at regular intervals regardless of price.
- Written by
- Suggested Investments Research Team
- Content type
- Educational article
- Published
- 2026-09-13
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-13
Sources and methodology
- Intelligent Accumulation methodology — Suggested InvestmentsPrimary source
Educational content only. This lesson is not investment, tax or legal advice and does not recommend buying or selling any specific investment. All investing involves the risk of loss.