Stock sell checklist template for exits and trims

Use this checklist before selling or trimming to separate a broken reason from price emotion, sizing pressure, or tax timing.

• Before exiting a full position.
• Before trimming because sizing or valuation changed.
• When the original reason may be weaker or broken.

Copy this template

1. What changed

• The original reason was...
• The specific support that changed is...
• The reason is intact, weaker, broken, or no longer knowable because...

2. Sell, trim, or hold

• Action considered...
• Why this action fits the current view...
• What would make me regret or reverse this action...

3. Closing review

• What this decision teaches about my process...
• What I should check before a similar future investment...

Filled example

Fictional sample only: trim decision for Meridian Tools after valuation expanded. This is not investment advice.

What changed

The business view is still intact, but valuation is less attractive after a sharp rerating.

Action considered

Trim a small amount to keep position size within the portfolio rule.

Hold condition

Keep the remaining position unless margin support weakens.

Lesson

Sizing rules should be written before the position becomes emotionally important.

How to keep the template useful.

• Write a closing review if the sell decision ends the position.
• Record whether the reason broke or the position simply outgrew your size rule.
• Separate tax and sizing constraints from the investment view.