Trading stocks isn’t just one of the best ways to invest money. It’s also more available than ever before — even for beginners without much cash in the bank.
With the rise of online brokers and trading platforms, trading is now available for individuals looking to buy and sell stocks from the comfort of their own homes.
However, trading stocks can also be a complex and risky endeavor, which is why an experienced mentor can help you hit the ground running. Matt Choi, the founder of the online trading education platform Certus Trading, found success after trading under his late mentor, George Fontanills. Now he provides courses that offer students access to his wealth of knowledge.
To succeed as a trader, Choi says, you must have a solid understanding of the market, the companies or commodities you are investing in, and the various strategies and tools used to make informed decisions.
Educate yourself
The first step in mastering how to trade stocks is to educate yourself about the market and the companies you are interested in investing in. This can include reading financial news, researching companies’ financial reports, and mastering the various trading strategies and tools used by successful traders.
There are many online resources available to help you learn about trading, including books, courses, and webinars. Take advantage of these resources to build a solid foundation of knowledge about the stock market.
That’s exactly what users of Certus Trading say they received through Choi’s classes, as seen in some of these Certus Trading reviews:
“Finally someone who delivers on his promises! Matt taught me how to take small bites out of the markets and I am now making 50-80% on my swing trades. There are losses too, but Matt helped me understand how to take them gracefully without risking too much. Now almost 2 years with Matt and my account has almost tripled. – Jonathan.
“As a veteran aircraft engineer, Matt’s disciplined approach (especially risk management) is solid. I follow his profit schedule system and his leap calendars, both of which have yielded gains on a consistent basis. I also make a point to attend his members’ webinars regularly to get his help. In my 35 years in the markets, I only came across a handful of traders who had a great impact on my results, and Matt has been one of them.” – Tom
Practice with a demo account
Once you have a basic understanding of trading, it’s a good idea to practice with a demo account before investing real money. Many online brokers offer demo accounts that allow you to trade stocks with virtual money. This can be a great way to test out different trading strategies and get a feel for how the market works without risking your own money.
“Mastering the art of trading stocks can be difficult, but this is why you need to practice. Review the content that focuses on your field of interest and dedicate yourself to learning it wholly,” Matt Choi said. “Going in blind is a good way to lose money. And while it certainly does happen even to the best of us, there are things you can do to help mitigate risk.”
Start Small
When you’re ready to start investing real money, it’s important to start small. Don’t invest more money than you can afford to lose, and don’t try to make large trades right away.
Instead, start with small trades and gradually increase your investment as you become more comfortable with the market. This will help you avoid significant losses early on and allow you to learn from your mistakes without jeopardizing your financial stability, Choi says.
“Make sure you’re analyzing your trades and don’t feel pressured to jump on popular trends. Trends are hot and cold and end quickly,” explains Choi. “You need to make sure you’re making the right decisions based on your education and experience, not based on what’s trending in the headlines.”
Set realistic goals
Trading stocks can be a lucrative venture, but it’s important to set realistic goals. Don’t expect to get rich overnight or make a fortune on a single trade. Instead, focus on building a solid portfolio over time by making informed decisions and sticking to your trading strategy. By setting realistic goals and sticking to a long-term plan, you’ll be more likely to achieve success in the market.
Monitor your portfolio
Finally, it’s important to regularly monitor your portfolio to ensure that your investments are performing as expected. Keep an eye on the news and financial reports related to the companies you have invested in, and be prepared to adjust your portfolio if necessary. Remember that the stock market is always changing, and it’s important to stay informed in order to make informed decisions.
“Mastering trading is a rewarding and profitable endeavor, but it requires a significant amount of education and practice. By educating yourself about the market, practicing with a demo account, starting small, setting realistic goals, and monitoring your portfolio, you can increase your chances of success in the market,” says Choi. “Remember to always approach trading with caution and patience, and don’t be afraid to seek out advice and support from experienced traders. And make sure you review your material.”