You can’t determine how the markets perform, and you can’t control the return on your mutual fund investments – unless, of course, you only have investments with fixed interest rates. But you do have control over the amount you save and invest.

For some investors and in certain situations, the need or opportunity may arise to increase the amount they invest. Here are three such situations.

Becoming less tolerant of risk

For many investors, tolerance to risk is a personality trait that remains the same over time – but not for all. For example, say that a young investor with modest investment assets will tolerate a 15% or 20% decline in their portfolio value. However, later in life when their assets have grown, this investor feels uneasy about how such a decline would significantly impact their portfolio’s dollar value. So they make their portfolio more conservative, focusing on funds with greater stability but lower potential returns. As a result, this person saves and invests more to keep their investment goal on target.

When goals change

An investor may be on track to meet their financial objectives but then add a new life goal. Perhaps a couple about 10 years from retirement now wishes to be snowbird retirees, which hikes up their financial objective. The couple doesn’t want the increased risk of choosing mutual funds with higher potential returns, and they prefer not to postpone their retirement unless necessary. Saving and investing more can give them the chance to realize their dream of enjoying winters down south.

Capitalizing on opportunities

You may wish to boost the amount you save for retirement if your cash flow increases. An opportunity might be receiving a raise, paying off your mortgage or your children becoming financially independent. With these additional mutual fund investments, you may be able to retire earlier or enhance your retirement lifestyle.