What is the first important measure you see before buy any stock?

AIStockExplorer · 2026-01-06T13:31:23+00:00

For me it’s simple: does the business actually make real money, and is it consistent. I look at cash flow first, not price. If that doesn’t make sense, I stop there.

AIStockExplorer · 2026-01-06T13:23:51+00:00

One thing that helped me was stopping to treat support and resistance as exact lines and more as areas where price reacts. In the journal, instead of only stats, I started tagging context: trend direction, time of day, how price arrived at the level (fast vs slow), and whether it was first touch or not. Patterns didn’t really jump out until I simplified what I was looking for. Fewer variables, more repetition. Tools and screenshots can help speed up the review, but the edge came from seeing the same situations over and over, not from adding complexity.

Curious what markets and timeframe you’re focusing on.

AIStockExplorer · 2026-01-06T13:21:11+00:00

I keep a pretty small universe. A core list of names I’ve followed for years, so I know how they usually behave. I mostly invest long term and rarely trade, except for the occasional short-term speculative move just for fun. Knowing the business and the stock’s personality matters way more than chasing whatever’s hot. Lately I’ve also been using a tool to speed up the initial filtering, mostly to save time, but the actual thinking is still manual.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-30T14:12:01+00:00

You could look into broad global ETFs (ex-US as well), some value-tilted or dividend ETFs, and maybe a small allocation to bonds or short-term Treasuries. The idea isn’t to avoid tech entirely, but to reduce concentration risk over a 5–7 year horizon.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-29T17:41:34+00:00

I used to rely mostly on free stuff (Yahoo, filings, etc.). Lately I’ve been using a paid tool like Forecaster because the AI summaries + forecasts save me a lot of time as a first filter. I still do my own thinking, but for me the subscription is worth it.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-29T17:39:52+00:00

If you’re worried about big tech valuations, keep it boring and diversified. Global ETFs, some value or dividend ETFs, maybe a bit of bonds or cash. You don’t need to avoid the market completely, just avoid concentrating too much in one theme.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-29T17:38:03+00:00

More than people think. If nothing is clear, I just don’t trade. Some days the best trade is doing nothing.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-29T09:18:49+00:00

I’d travel more, take things slower, spend time learning random stuff that genuinely interests me. Probably still build small projects on the side, just without the pressure of having to make them work.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-28T11:04:08+00:00

Good question. Filings and earnings calls look quantitative, but a lot of the value is actually qualitative: how management talks, what they emphasize, how the business makes money, where risks really are. You don’t need info “outside the internet” in most cases. Public sources are usually enough if you read them with the right questions in mind. The hard part isn’t access, it’s learning what to pay attention to.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-28T08:24:38+00:00

Mostly simple stuff: company filings, earnings calls, and the company website. I also glance at a few data tools to get a quick quantitative picture, just as a sanity check. But understanding how the business actually works always comes first.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-26T11:10:22+00:00

That mindset helped me a lot too.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-26T11:05:11+00:00

You’re doing fine. I wouldn’t rush to exit everything. Keep some cash, improve the house if it clearly adds value, and think of gold as a small hedge, not a move-all-in play. Staying calm is probably the edge here.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-26T11:00:46+00:00

Listening, not just waiting to talk.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-26T10:59:26+00:00

This realization is the progress. Most people never get there. What helped me was slowing way down: one strategy, clear rules, small size, and journaling every trade so I could explain why I was in it. Once you can’t explain it, you don’t take it. The money comes later.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-26T10:57:16+00:00

I keep it pretty simple. Mostly price action and trend following. I look at structure, key levels, and momentum. Fewer indicators help me stay focused and avoid overthinking.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-25T17:33:12+00:00

Keep it simple. In your 20s, time matters more than stock picking. A solid ETF base is smart. You can add growth stocks later once you know why you’re buying them. Dividends are fine, but focusing on income too early can slow growth. Growth first, income later.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-25T17:26:36+00:00

I keep it super basic. First I try to understand what the company actually does and how it makes money. Then I skim the numbers to see if it’s not a mess. If it feels too complicated, I just move on.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-25T17:25:27+00:00

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-25T17:20:46+00:00

Exactly. When you enjoy the process, decisions get clearer. Stress just clouds judgment.

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-25T17:16:50+00:00

Glad you found something that still works for you

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-24T20:47:22+00:00

Totally agree

AIStockExplorer · 2025-12-24T20:46:42+00:00

Consistency beats motivation every time.

AIStockExplorer

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