With the stock market becoming a much more volatile place to do business - and with the "B" word (Bear) rolling off the tongues of many market watchers - the following question begs to be answered:

Since it may be a bear market, does it make sense to hold off beginning an investment program?

Interestingly, for most investors, I'm not sure it should matter whether the market's primary trend is "bearish" or "bullish." Indeed, long-term investing has nothing to do with timing the market. It has everything to do with taking advantage of such market declines to accumulate good stocks. In fact, I believe systematic investing is not only appropriate during bear markets, but also mandatory.

Remember: The only way you maximize the power of a long-term investment strategy is to be a buyer of stocks during market downturns. This is the only way to accumulate good stocks at more favorable prices. For that reason, I buy stocks regardless if whether the market is considered 'bearish' or 'bullish' by the so-called experts.

For brand new investors, the question of starting now or waiting is a no-brainer — Start Now. There is never a bad time to start an investment program. Since time is the greatest ally of the individual investor, the sooner you start an investing program, the better.