I Use a Spreadsheet, Not Hype — Here’s the Mistake That Cost Me 40%

One impulsive trade, a 40% loss, and the investing rule I never break now

I use a spreadsheet to manage my investments.
Not because I’m stuck in the past—because it works.
It gives me clarity, control, and keeps me focused on the numbers that matter.
But even with a system in place, I once ignored my own process—and it cost me 40%.

The Day I Ignored My Rules

I’d been hearing about a tech stock that was “ready to explode.” You couldn’t miss it—everyone on social media was hyping it up, articles were flying, and influencers were shouting buy now.
I broke my rule. I didn’t check my spreadsheet. I didn’t review the company’s fundamentals. I didn’t sleep on it.
I just bought it.
Three months later, I was down 40%.

What FOMO Looks Like

- Social media telling you this is “the next big thing”
- Market volatility making you feel like sitting still is a mistake
- News headlines creating urgency and hype
- A gut feeling that “everyone else is making money but me”

Why FOMO Is So Dangerous

- Buying when prices are inflated
- Skipping your research
- Abandoning your plan
- Overtrading based on emotion, not data

The Psychology Behind It

Behavioral finance studies show that we fear missing out on gains more than we fear losing money. That’s why a hot stock tip feels exciting—even when your gut (and spreadsheet) says it doesn’t fit. Social media and hype can cloud your judgment.

What I Do Now (And Why It Works)

✅ I Stick to My Plan
I have clear goals, defined risk tolerance, and an investing philosophy that works for me.
If something doesn’t fit—I pass. No exceptions.

✅ I Wait 24 Hours
If I feel urgency, I hit pause. That 24-hour window brings clarity. I’ve used it for years—not just in investing, but for every big-ticket purchase: cars, tech, even major appliances.

✅ I Use My Spreadsheet
Before any purchase, I check:
- Asset allocation
- Sector concentration
- Financials, debt levels, growth
- Overall alignment with my goals

✅ I Sell Without Emotion
If a stock breaks my rules or underperforms, I sell it and move on. I don’t cling to losers or obsess over past picks. If the fundamentals improve later, I’ll revisit it—on my terms.

Final Thoughts

FOMO is loud.
Smart investing is quiet.

Let everyone else chase the hype. I’ll keep using my spreadsheet—and my strategy—to build long-term wealth.

If you want to get better at investing, start by building a system you can trust—and using it every time.

“If it feels urgent, it’s probably not wise.”

What’s one rule you follow to keep your investing grounded? I’d love to know—let’s compare notes in the comments.