How to Make $1 Million During the 2021 Stock Market Crash

Stocks like Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) have risen nearly 70 times in value since that last market crash. Find out what you should buy in 2021.

| More on:

Everyone wants to make a million, but few wish to see a stock market crash. But as the saying goes, a crisis can bring opportunity. When assets prices fall across the board, it’s a rare chance to buy millionaire-maker stocks.

To make a fortune in 2021, you need to invest in specific stocks. Before we get to stock-picking, however, you must ensure that you’ll have enough cash to be a buyer.

Don’t make this market mistake

Take a look at previous stock market crashes. In hindsight, most people wish they bought more. In reality, when bear markets are in full swing, few people pull the trigger. Why?

The first cause is obvious: fear. It’s easy to keep buying when prices are moving up. Before market downturns hit, it can often feel like stock prices do nothing but move higher. Unfettered optimism creates complacency, a critical ingredient that precedes a crash.

Even those who remain fearless have trouble buying. That’s because they lack the cash to do so. When the economy is chugging along, and stock prices are on the rise, people feel rich. They buy new homes and cars, increasing spending across discretionary categories. Some people even take on additional debt.

During a stock market crash, you don’t want to be this type of person. These people have very little excess cash during a downturn. Many have to sell their stocks to survive.

The lesson here is simple: get your financial house in order before market’s force you to do so.

Only invest in stocks like this

It takes money to make money. Be sure to have enough cash flow to keep investing during a downturn. But where should that cash go? If you want to reach $1 million as fast as possible, you must choose tech stocks. More specifically, go with software stocks.

Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) is a perfect example of how to make huge profits. Since 2006, shares have risen 90 times in value. If you bought the stock during the 2008 market crash, you could have 66 times your original investment. A $15,000 bet would have become $1 million.

What about software businesses produces such spectacular returns? Let’s look at Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) to find out.

Shopify operates one of the largest e-commerce platforms on the planet. You’ve like shopped through the company’s technology without ever knowing it. More than one million retailers use its backend.

The beauty is that these businesses strengthen over time. They’re winner takes all.

“The more merchants move to Shopify, the more developers will be incentivized to make the platform even better. The more developers that build, the more customers will want to use Shopify,” I recently explained. “It’s another virtuous cycle. An unstoppable feedback loop.”

“That is the beauty of being a platform: you succeed (or fail) in the aggregate,” says tech consultant Ben Thompson.

Bottom line

Millionaire-maker stocks rarely go on sale. It takes a market-wide downturn to pressure these companies.

When the next crash arrives, be prepared to strike. Have a list of specific software stocks you want to target.

Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Constellation Software, Shopify, and Shopify. Fool contributor Ryan Vanzo has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

businessmen shake hands to close a deal
Tech Stocks

1 Terrific Tech Stock Down 30% to Buy and Hold for Decades

Docebo’s sell-off looks more like market nerves than a broken business, and its profits and buybacks are making that gap…

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Tech Stocks

1 Standout Growth Stocks Worth Buying Today and Holding for the Long Haul

If you don't mind being a little contrarian, you can pick up high-quality growth stocks at modest valuations. Here's one…

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Tech Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

Got $7,000 in TFSA room? Shopify stock could be your best long-term bet. Here's why this Canadian commerce giant is…

Read more »

Digital background depicting innovative technologies in (AI) artificial systems, neural interfaces and internet machine learning technologies
Stocks for Beginners

This Stellar Canadian Stock Is Up 497% This Past Year and There’s More Growth Ahead

This under-the-radar Canadian stock has surged nearly 500% in 12 months – and its growth story may just be getting…

Read more »

Illustration of data, cloud computing and microchips
Tech Stocks

Opinion: This Is the Only TSX Growth Stock to Own for the Next 3 Years

Alithya Group is quietly building one of Canada's most compelling IT growth stories. Here's why this TSX tech stock deserves…

Read more »

semiconductor manufacturing
Tech Stocks

Want Global Growth Without U.S. Stocks? Start With These 2 Names

If you want global growth without adding more U.S. exposure, ASML and SAP offer two very different but powerful ways…

Read more »

crisis concept, falling stairs
Tech Stocks

Market Crash: 2 Stocks I’d Buy Without Hesitation

Markets in North America are declining. Here's are two high-end stocks that you can use to turn declines in profits…

Read more »

The RRSP (Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan) is a smart way to save and invest for the future
Tech Stocks

Your RRSP Balance Doesn’t Matter as Much as These 3 Things in Retirement

Discover the truth about RRSP balances and their impact on retirement income. Learn when RRSP savings truly matter.

Read more »