re: Something to be said for taking gains…Right?

I definitely learned an important lesson about not taking extraordinary gains when they're on the table. Can't tell you how many stocks I passed on taking profit because I was only X amount of months away from them turning long-term for the tax savings. Now I'll always remember I'd rather pay a little extra tax on gains now, than risk this house of cards comes tumbling down completely in X months. Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

That being said, I did take plenty of gains here and there. Did well in 2020 and had the gains to show for it on my tax return. But I got cocky and wouldn't stop buying this 47-layer dip we've had in growth/tech that's now lasted nearly 1.5 years and I've given most of my gains right back.