Buying without a portfolio policy.
Write time horizon, contribution plan, risk limit, rebalancing rule, and why each asset belongs.
Investing Guide
Most investing mistakes are process mistakes.
The market is uncertain. The controllable part is the plan, costs, behaviour, diversification, records, and whether the product actually matches the goal.
Mistakes
Fix the process before the portfolio.
Chasing what just went up.
Recent returns can hide valuation risk, crowding, and bad timing.
Ignoring costs.
Expense ratios, spreads, platform fees, FX costs, and taxes compound too.
Owning too much of one story.
A strong thesis can still become a dangerous position size.
Panic selling.
High-risk assets require an exit plan before volatility arrives.
Weak tax and trade records.
Keep statements, dates, costs, fees, dividends, disposals, and source notes.
Prevention
Use checklists before decisions.
Research the wrapper before trusting the ticker.
Open ETF checklistUse decision journals to reduce FOMO and hindsight bias.
Open journal templateCheck cash-flow stability before adding investment risk.
Open literacyThis guide is educational and not investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
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