RE:Timing the market One should treat stock ownership like home ownership. We don't sell out home every 6 months. Also, there are valuables found in people's home such as art work or furniture that may have appreciated in value through generations. We never think twice about selling an expensive item in our home but over time these pieces can appreciate in value. The problem with stocks is that we see the price change on a daily basis and we can get tempted to sell too soon. We never think twice about selling a piece of art from the 1800's because there isn't a price tag on it that we can see everyday. We ignore it, enjoy that we have it and ultimately benefit from the value increasing over time. If the company is doing all the right things you should never sell! I may from time to time take some profits off the table. For instance, if the stock has doubled, I may remove my original position and play with free house money. Otherwise, I almost never sell.