In 2022, an elder of mine sighed while holding a passbook, saying that the interest couldn't keep up with the rise in vegetable prices. During a casual chat, I told him about a dollar-cost averaging strategy I was using—actually nothing complicated, just buying a fixed amount on a fixed date each month into a mainstream asset I believe in.

He was half convinced and tried it out, setting up an automatic deduction plan to withdraw a fixed amount every month without fail. Three years later, the initial principal had multiplied several times. Now, he no longer needs to compare prices repeatedly at the vegetable market, and his grandson can also learn something and receive generous support. This experience made me especially realize—that for ordinary people, in such highly volatile markets, discipline often outweighs cleverness.

Just sharing a few operational tips I’ve tested over the years, which beginners might find helpful:

**Automate deductions regularly, don’t obsess over prices**
My plan is to buy on the 1st and 15th of each month, regardless of how hot or cold the market is at the time—just follow the plan. Historical backtesting data shows that sticking to this mechanical approach over the long term usually yields better returns than those who chase the market based on feelings. Basically, it’s about letting time smooth out your costs and avoiding the trap of guessing short-term fluctuations.

**Add to your position during dips, but do so in layers**
I’ve set a rule for increasing my holdings: for example, whenever the price drops by a certain percentage from the current level, I buy more. During market panic, there are often undervalued opportunities—those bloodied chips are like big sales in a mall—provided you plan your position size in advance and only buy when the price drops, rather than cutting losses emotionally and leaving.