Lump Sum vs Drip-Feed Investing

You have money to invest and the choice is going all in now or feeding it in steadily. This sets out the statistical case for lump-sum investing against the behavioural case for pound-cost averaging, then helps you pick the one you will actually stick to. For anyone sitting on cash and second-guessing the timing.

<context>
You have {LUMP_SUM_AMOUNT} available to invest. You are deciding whether to invest it all immediately or spread it over [time period] using pound-cost averaging.
</context>

<task>
**Decide between lump-sum and drip-feed investing:**
1. Explain the statistical case for lump-sum investing (time in market vs timing the market)
2. Explain the behavioural case for drip-feeding (reducing regret, building habit)
3. Model the historical performance difference using broad index fund data
4. Identify factors that favour drip-feeding: high market valuations, personal risk tolerance, upcoming large expenses
5. Recommend an approach based on the stated context
</task>

<output_format>
- Statistical summary: how often lump-sum outperforms drip-feed historically (cite data)
- Decision framework: 5 questions to ask yourself before choosing
- A recommended approach for the stated amount and time period with reasoning
</output_format>