Trailing Stops vs Puts

[Ombud]

I have been doing trailing stops however, I've been stopped out by stocks that I would have normally held onto in a market that might be oversold. [Not that I'm sure this one qualifies]

So this week I started doing puts instead. Please let me know the fallacy in my thinking:

• Establish 'reasonable' exit point based on profit-to-date
  
• Buy put at 1/4 pt above that
  
• Set expiration date out 2-3 months
  

Am I missing something?

[Ombud]

Agreed about 1 month being cheaper than 2 months but I'm still concerned about the fiscal cliff and this'll cover it. Plus I might not sell unless severely under that. Did 1 contract in sbux but in reverse: sold 50 put, went to 43, they collect from me @ 50 (then it upped to 51 so not hurt too badly)

I trade in my IRA to avoid tax implications