To Maximize Returns, Invest in Stocks for 5 to 10 Years

To keep adding to your position, you need capital. So don't dump all the money you intend to invest in stocks at once. If the market dips—or even crashes—you want cash on hand to keep buying. Conservative investors should hold at least a third of their stock and stock fund capital as cash reserves. Even aggressive investors should keep at least 25% as a safety net.