Stock Traders: How long did it take you to finally understand trading stock/options?

Question

I'm 17 and want to trade stocks/options for a living. I have gone to classes and kind of understood somethings but somethings were still confusing. How long did it take you to understand everything? I want to actually start real trading by the time i graduate which is June 2009.

Answer 1

It's an evolving process, the learning never stops.

Answer 2

That is actually a good question and the truth is no single investor understands everything there is to trading. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just full of it. Most of the really successful investors got there because they have become experts in a particular area of trading.

I have studied trading for over 12 years and been trading professionally for 8, but I always find room for improvement.

If you get into this profession, understand that it is a continuous learning process. Studying books and theories is a good place to start, but you will soon realize that when applied to the real market, things can be quite different. Anyone who has been trading for a while has learned that experience is a major factor in their trading success.

Unfortunetly, there is no real shortcut to gaining experience in the markets. It just takes time. You can, and I suggest finding a mentor who is successful at what he/she does and learn from them for a while. They can help you avoid many pit falls that new traders fall into.

If your still 17 when you graduate, you wont be able to trade though. Legally, you need to be 18 to trade, but that shouldnt stop you from learning as much as you can. Continue to build a strong foundation.

It will take time, but if you stick with it, it can be a very rewarding career.

Christian Nago

CEO & Chief Investment Officer

http://www.intrepidtradings.com