Why I sold my SpaceX shares: A lesson on investor emotions
Even the most disciplined investors can be tempted by market buzz — but knowing when to step back is what separates sensible money decisions from costly mistakes.
Simon Lambert, a seasoned financial writer, recently found himself caught up in the excitement around SpaceX share trading. After buying 14 shares, he quickly sold them all again. His honest account offers a valuable lesson for everyday UK investors about resisting the urge to chase the latest investment craze.
The problem with getting swept up in stock market trends is that emotion often overrides logic. When everyone is talking about a particular company or sector, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. The fear of missing out — or FOMO — can push even sensible investors to make rushed decisions they later regret.
SpaceX shares are not publicly listed on UK exchanges, so buying them typically requires specialist platforms and comes with higher risks and costs than mainstream investments. For most everyday investors, chasing individual company stocks — especially private ones — is not where wealth is built. The real path to long-term financial security is through steady, boring investments like ISAs, pensions and diversified funds.
If you’re tempted by the next investment craze, ask yourself: Would you still buy this if nobody was talking about it? Can you afford to lose this money? Do you understand what you’re buying? If the answer to any of these is no, it’s probably not for you.
Instead, focus on the investment basics that work: contribute regularly to a pension, use your ISA allowance (you can save up to £20,000 tax-free per year), and build an emergency fund of three to six months’ expenses. These moves won’t make headlines, but they build genuine financial security.
If you’re unsure about your investment strategy, speak to a financial adviser or visit MoneyHelper, the free guidance service from the UK government. They can help you understand what’s right for your situation, without the hype.