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In the podcast Reading tea leaves Zsolt Janos discusses daily developments in the capital markets. Complex relationships are explained clearly, comprehensibly, and concisely, drawing on his many years of experience.
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18.05.2026
When is enough, exactly? And when should I sell?
Many investors are extremely easily tempted to get in, but have absolutely no clear idea of why they're actually doing it. The only goal is often simply: more returns. But just wanting more profit isn't a real plan. That's pure speculation and ultimately insufficient motivation. Because without a concrete goal, you never know when you've reached the finish line. In this episode, we'll discuss why a selling strategy is already near must be in place for the entry.
The content discussed in this podcast is for general informational purposes ONLY and under no circumstances constitutes a recommendation to buy or sell specific investments, and therefore does not represent investment advice. The presenter cannot assess the risk profile and financial situation of individual listeners. Anyone who decides to buy or sell investment products/assets based on the information discussed in this podcast does so at their own discretion and risk. The presenter therefore cannot accept any liability if you make your own investment decisions based on the information in this podcast and consequently incur losses.
Summary: Key takeaways about intuitive eating
When is enough enough? And when should I sell? An individual perspective on investing and selling strategies.
The world of finance is complex and raises many questions that go beyond simply "buying". While investment tips and buy recommendations are ubiquitous, the crucial question of the right time to sell is often neglected. Zsolt Janos, an experienced financial expert, sheds light in this episode on the psychological and strategic aspects of this challenge and provides valuable insights that go beyond general advice.
Beware of financial fraud: The “rich ladies” and other scams
Before we address the core question, there is Zsolt Janos He offers an important warning about the current threat of financial fraud. He humorously recounts how he himself received emails from supposedly wealthy women in Australia and Germany who wanted to give him millions. What initially sounds like a bizarre story is a serious scam that preys on people's curiosity and gullibility.
- The scam: Senders try to arouse curiosity through supposedly generous offers.
- The goal: Recipients are asked to click on links, reply, or disclose personal data.
- Zsolt Janos' urgent advice: Delete such emails immediately! Do not reply and do not click on any links. Legitimate offers are never made in this way.
Anti-money laundering (AML) measures and proof of origin of funds: What investors need to know
Another important topic in the financial sector is anti-money laundering (AML). Zsolt Janos This corrects an earlier statement: The European AML Authority (AMLA) is headquartered in Frankfurt, not in Vienna.
AMLA and national supervisory authorities are working together to prevent money laundering. This includes, among other things, cash limits and the documentation of capital movements.
- Cash limit (commercial): In most European countries, this figure is around EUR 10.000From July 2027, uniform frameworks are to be established across the EU, although some countries have already introduced lower limits (e.g., €5.000). Private individuals are not affected by this commercial limit.
- Data collection: From an amount of EUR 10.000 The data of the persons involved (e.g. identity card/passport copy, address) must be recorded.
- Proof of origin of funds: In the coming years, proof of the origin of funds moved or invested through banks and financial institutions will become increasingly important. Financial institutions are legally obligated to provide credible documentation of fund movements and sources.
Many people perceive the demand for proof of the origin of funds as a blanket suspicion. Zsolt Janos He emphasized that while this is understandable, the legal requirements remain in place. This is where the personal financial planner plays a crucial role: they can provide empathetic support to clients and help them compile the necessary documentation to avoid unnecessary suspicions. It's no longer just about product placement, but about ongoing, empathetic support and continuous monitoring of the client relationship.
The key question: When to sell?
By far the most frequently asked question that Zsolt Janos The question he hears from clients is: "When should I sell?" He clarifies: There will be no general answer or universal "sell signal." Every investor's situation is unique.
No blanket sell signals: Why individual strategies are crucial
Many investors often expect an advisor with a "crystal ball" to predict the perfect time to sell – ideally just before prices fall. Zsolt Janos vehemently disagrees with this idea:
- "That's a clairvoyant ability that someone should say."
- Such a prediction is Not permanently feasible and pure speculation.
- Blindly trusting an external "command" is not a sound investment strategy.
"When is enough?" – The peril of greed and the lack of goal definition
Another common answer to the question of when to sell is: "When it's enough, you shouldn't get greedy." But what does "enough" mean? Is it 10% profit, 50%, or 100%? Again, there's no universal answer. Zsolt Janos emphasizes that the definition of "enough" already before the purchase should be done:
- The crucial question: "Why did I even exchange my money into this investment?"
- Did I speculate or define a clear return target (e.g., 15% return)?
- Those who clearly define their goals before buying will have less torment later on with the question of when to sell.
Selling means converting the investment back into "paper money." The question then becomes: What happens next? Is it a short-term parking spot, waiting for falling prices to buy back later at a lower price? Or should the capital be reinvested in another, more promising investment? These are all individual decisions.
Selling before the crash? Liquidity and the reality of selling.
The desire to sell "before the big crash" or bankruptcy is also widespread. But here, too, there are challenges:
- Reasons for price declines: Stock prices can fall for many reasons (a company's problems, legal difficulties), and companies can also recover.
- Liquidity of the investment: Is the investment liquid enough to be sold quickly? Is there even a buyer for an investment that is clearly in trouble?
- The right to a refund: The supposed "right to my money back" is often difficult to enforce with illiquid or problematic investments, as there must be a buyer willing to take on the risk.
Your personal roadmap for financial decisions
The question of "when to sell?" is deeply personal and requires individual analysis. Zsolt Janos Therefore, it recommends:
The importance of individual financial advice
Any investor who doesn't yet have a clear strategy for selling should discuss their situation with an expert. A look at the past – Why were the purchases made? – is crucial in this regard.
Hold or sell? The "Would I buy it again today?" rule
For positions where the original reason for the purchase is unclear, it suggests Zsolt Janos a simple but effective rule: "If I wouldn't buy something new anymore, then I don't need to keep it." This rule helps to critically examine existing systems and, if necessary, redefine and restructure them. It creates a new baseline for future decisions.
Holistic portfolio perspective instead of individual product analysis
It is crucial that entire portfolio It's important to keep an eye on the entire portfolio, not just individual positions. If one investment runs into trouble or even goes bankrupt, it's easier to cope if the overall portfolio is balanced. A holistic perspective helps reduce anxiety and make more informed decisions.
Conclusion: Financial decisions are a matter of personality.
There are no universal sell signals or blanket answers to the question of when "enough" is enough. Financial decisions are deeply personal and should be based on individual goals, risk tolerance, and a clear strategy. The financial industry will not issue sell signals on its own, as this would be against its own interests and would also constitute an unreliable crystal ball prediction.
A professional, empathetic financial planner can help you analyze your individual situation, define clear goals, and develop a strategy that includes both buying and selling decisions. This will give you clarity and security in your financial affairs.
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