Was That It?

While it's not entirely certain that this correction is fully over, it has seemed, in the last few days, that it may be time to put some money to work.

While many would much prefer some certainty that all of the markets problems have been washed away in the recent deluge, there are still some technical indicators that haven't sent out clear signals that it's buying time. And there have been some fundamental shifts, like big earnings disappointments, from financials to technology stocks, that give one a reason to pause.

Marked Down Merchandise

Having said that, some very good stocks, have been put on sale. From brand name media companies, to big bio-techs, to the single most highly valued stock in the marketplace, discounts are relatively deep, making a handful of stocks more attractive than they were just a few, short weeks ago.

That's why it makes sense to average in to this market now, taking advantage of sale prices in one's favorite stocks.

Has Support Become Resistance?

While the S&P 500 faces formidable resistance at its 200-day moving average, at about 1905-1910, and other chart-based indicators are not suggesting that a definitive market bottom has been put in place, it doesn't necessarily mean that one should remain sidelined, waiting for a perfect opportunity to buy quality stocks.

There are no perfect opportunities, or if there are, like there were in March of 2009, they are rare. So, a disciplined investor must put money to work when he/she can and take advantage of 10, or 20%, haircuts to buy some stocks on the cheap.

VIP Treatment

VIP members who subscribe to "Insana's Market Intelligence" have already received their trade alerts, identifying stocks that are more attractively valued than they were recently, even as they have also been propelled higher by some unexpectedly good news.

The news will matter going forward, as will the technical condition of the market. But one should not be lulled into a false sense of fear, despite the violence of the recent shakeout.

Short, Sharp and Scary

Corrections, historically, are short, sharp and scary. Stepping into the breach, while not for the faint of heart, often pays off for those willing to brave stormy weather, and step in, just before the skies are about to clear.