Trading Plan Checklist: 15 Elements Every Plan Must Include
Getting Started · 12 min · Published 2026-03-29
Build a complete trading plan with this 15-point checklist. Covers goals, strategy, risk, routine, and review. Free guide at Tradyom by Rami Alame.
A complete trading plan includes 15 essential elements: trading goals, markets/instruments, timeframes, strategies/setups, entry rules, exit rules, stop loss rules, position sizing, daily loss limits, trading hours, pre-market routine, post-market review, journal requirements, monthly evaluation criteria, and emotional management rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How detailed should my trading plan be?
Your plan should be specific enough that another trader could follow it and take the same trades. If any element is vague ('I'll use good entries'), make it specific ('I'll enter on bullish engulfing candles at the 20 EMA'). Print it and keep it visible while trading.
Should I ever change my trading plan?
Yes, but only based on data from your journal after 50+ trades. Never change your plan during a losing streak based on emotion. Schedule monthly plan reviews and make data-driven adjustments only. Tradyom teaches iterative plan improvement based on journaling.