When Life Gives You Lemons: It's a Buying Opportunity

I started investing in individual companies and ETFs about 6-months ago. My main focus since day one has been on maximising income while reducing costs. I'm currently working on reaching the maximum contribution limit in my Tax-Free Savings Account so I don't need to worry about taxes currently.

When I started investing I was quite pleased to see my portfolio inch higher on a monthly basis. Between earning 5% a year from dividends and a steady 1/2 to 1% a month in growth things were looking up. Of course all good things must come to an end.

Recently my fortunes have back-flipped and I'm now sitting at a -4% return for my portfolio after the last month. Although that isn't that bad it's still a test of my resolve. This is the first time I've had a loss that has 3 digits (small I know but I'm just starting my journey).

The good news with this drop (for me anyway) is it provides the opportunity to pick up some ETFs and companies when their yields are higher due to their decreased prices. To me this stock market slump is nothing more than a small end of the school year sale. With my full-time work starting in two weeks I'm going to see more cash flowing in allowing me to invest more, and fortunately this stock sale coincides with my increase of income.

I look forward to making the best of this stock sale to kick start my portfolio.