I aim to be a long-term investor.

I do my work thoroughly upfront - know the industry, know the company, know the competitors, look at historic and expected growth, margins, returns, cash flows, debt/cash levels and finally valuation. Also have a soft spot for a good and safe dividend yield.

Will only swing at what I perceive to be "fat pitches".

When I buy I want to be in for long-term. As of late though, given all the volatility, am paying more attention to technicals and will trade more tactically than in past when technicals get to extremes.

Have no problem admitting I was wrong and will exit a losing (or winning) position if thesis/fundamentals has changed.

Will sell overvalued stocks or at least take out my original investment. I try not to be greedy or become blinded into holding onto "trophy" investments that may have happened to have done well.

Will occasionally stray into "exotic" areas such as currencies, commodities, options (both puts/calls, LEAPs only) but, don't feel have to be there just for diversification sake, only if I have a sensible reason for being there and believe the odds are firmly in my favor.

Am perfectly content to hold large portion of portfolio in cash and wait for opportunities to present themselves.

My primary rule to making money is not to lose a lot of it in the first place.and then have to dig out of a big hole.