Most beginners don’t lose because their ideas are bad—they lose because the math is missing. Before every trade, answer four questions:
- What’s my break-even after all fees?
- Where do I scale out (+15% / +30% / +50% or your own tiers)?
- How much do I sell at the first target to recover principal and let the rest run?
- If I DCA instead of buying all at once, how does that change outcomes?
Use the workflow below for every position.
1) Define the trade in numbers (not feelings)
Inputs (2 minutes): entry or DCA plan, size, fee rate (maker/taker), holding horizon; three target prices; and a hard stop (structure break or −8%). Turning hunches into numbers gives you a set of outcomes, not hopes.
2) Compute break-even and “sell-to-principal”
- Break-even = weighted cost × (1 + total fee%).
- Sell-to-principal: quantity to sell at Target 1 so the remainder is house money.Do this once and FOMO fades—you’re executing a plan, not chasing candles.
3) Pick a scale-out matrix that fits the market
| Market state | Targets | Suggested scale-out | Notes |
| Choppy / Range | +10% / +20% / +35% | 40% / 35% / 25% | Front-load cash flow |
| Uptrend | +15% / +30% / +50% | 30% / 30% / 40% | Recover principal at T1 |
| Parabolic | +20% / +40% / +70% | 20% / 30% / 50% | Let runners run; trail tighter |
Choose before entry; don’t change mid-trade unless the thesis is invalidated.
4) Simulate DCA vs lump-sum
When volatility is high or timing is unclear, test a weekly DCA (e.g., four tranches). Compare final cost basis, build-in drawdown, and time to T1. If DCA cuts max drawdown with similar returns, pick DCA.
5) Make fees part of the plan
Real PnL = entry/exit fees + (funding if futures) + network fees. If T1 is shallow (+8–10%), fees can eat half your edge—either push T1 out or improve venue efficiency. New users who decide Binance is their fit can reduce trading costs by applying a binance referral code during signup.
6) Lock gains, then review in three lines
After exit, record:
- Did I recover principal on schedule?
- Were scale-outs executed at the planned levels?
- One tweak for next time (targets, size, or DCA cadence)?
Skill compounds when your log is brief and consistent.
One-Page Starter Card (copy to notes)
- Entry or DCA plan: ______
- Targets: +15 / +30 / +50
- Stop: ______ (price or structure break)
- Sell-to-principal qty at T1: ______
- Break-even (incl. fees): ______
- Review note (post-trade): ______
Do the math in seconds (free)
Run break-even, scale-outs, sell-to-principal, ROI/DCA sims in one place with Bitcoin Profit Calculator—before you press buy. When the numbers are clear, execution gets simple and profits stop slipping through the cracks.
If you’re still researching where to trade, a neutral, Vietnam-focused overview of fees, products, and on-ramp routes can help you compare options for your needs: best crypto exchange.
Disclaimer: Educational only, not investment advice. Keep per-trade risk ≤ 1–2%, place a hard stop, and let your plan—not headlines—decide the next move.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
