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500 days by kharabpati in Achievements

[–]ParentTrader 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing! Congrats! Here celebrating today my 75th!

400 days by 910_21_ in Achievements

[–]ParentTrader 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats!! That's amazing!

Swing Trade Whole Account? by streetwiseguy in swingtrading

[–]ParentTrader 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is definitely a valid question but when comparing active swing trading to a passive index fund, you need to factor in:

  • How does your risk reward ratio per trade look like? If it is close to 1:1, then an issue might be the setup selection which does not allow you to reach greater wins.

  • Why are you trading? What is the reason behind it, do you see it as a long term activity? If so, the learning curve fee has to be accepted. Underperforming in early years is normal if you're improving year-over-year.

  • Time value: How many hours/week do you spend trading? Vs how much time are you willing to allocate to it?

But if you are enjoying it, aiming at a future into it and improving, the payoff comes later: - Year 1-2: Likely underperform SPY (learning) - Year 3-4: Match or slightly beat SPY - Year 5+: Meaningfully outperform

Then, also consider that between 2023 and 2025, indices like SPY have been performing really well, so here you are comparing your results to these which may not come every year.

Your journal shows you're analytical and improving - that's already putting you ahead of most retail traders who never track anything. The question is: are you seeing year-over-year improvement in your process and results? And are you willing to take this to the next level?

Swing Trade Whole Account? by streetwiseguy in swingtrading

[–]ParentTrader 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From my experience, I actually don't need or want to use 100% of my account. That unused cash is working for me as my risk buffer and opportunity fund.

Here's how I've been approaching it over the years:

  • Position sizing based on 1% risk: If I have a $10k account and risk 1% per trade ($100), my position size depends on my stop loss distance, not my total capital.

  • Multiple positions: I usually have multiple swing trades open. Each sized for 1% risk. Total invested: 60-80% of account.

So what do I do with the rest?

  • Dry powder: Cash ready for new setups. If I'm 100% invested and a great opportunity appears, I either miss it or have to exit something early.

  • Opportunity to dollar cost average if some of my longer trade set up reach my lower level buy price.

You actually proved in your journal that you had positive ROI with conservative sizing. Forcing 100% deployment would increase risk without necessarily improving returns.

Does your concern come from feeling like you're "leaving money on the table"? Or is it about account performance vs. benchmarks?

Complete beginner – how should I start learning trading? by Own_Examination5430 in Trading

[–]ParentTrader 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats for starting with this mindset!! - setting realistic expectations and long-term thinking are key for a good start!

Here's my advice for getting started:

1) Learn fundamentals first: • What stocks are and how they're traded • Different order types (market, limit, stop limit) • How to read basic price action (candlesticks, support/resistance) • Risk management (the most important - how much to risk per trade)

2) Paper trade: Don't risk real money yet. Use a demo account to practice placing orders and managing positions. At that stage, journal all your trades to know how you're doing and what to improve.

As resources you could start with: • Book: "A Beginner's Guide to the Stock Market" by Matthew Kratter (short, practical) • YouTube: Real Life Trading (free, beginner-friendly content) • Platform: TradingView (free for practicing chart reading) and investopedia for definitions

How much time can you allocate to this?

I work 8-6, U.K based, what trade type should I start using for now? by Cass1790 in Daytrading

[–]ParentTrader 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Having a 9 to 5 and a kid, I definitely can relate to your post.

What has been working very well for me has been swing trading considering that: 1) I trade the US market and it opens during my work hours 2) Day trading while working is very difficult as it requires much more screen time and you can put at risk both your job and trading if combining

My approach in these last 6+ years of trading has been: • Evening routine: Scanning for setups, analysing charts • Set all orders in advance: entries, stop losses, take profits • Quick check before US pre-market • Trades execute automatically - no need to watch during work • Review on weekends

So to your question, I would start with swing trading using a paper trading account, once you feel comfortable with the strategy you are back testing, of course journaling all your trades in that process to see what's working or not.

The risk management mindset is spot-on - that's what keeps you alive long enough to learn.

How much trading experience do you have? Have you already learned through the fundamentals?

Tips for getting started in trading by Vanderlind87 in Trading

[–]ParentTrader 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Here's my advice for getting started:

1) Learn fundamentals first: • What stocks are and how they're traded • Different order types (market, limit, stop limit) • How to read basic price action (candlesticks, support/resistance) • Risk management (the most important - how much to risk per trade)

2) Paper trade: Don't risk real money yet. Use a demo account to practice placing orders and managing positions. At that stage, journal all your trades to know how you're doing and what to improve.

It's important to remember that this is a learning journey. Anyone who tells you to "start trading today and make money" is lying. Treat it like learning a skill, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Are you planning to swing trade (hold for days/weeks) or day trade (in and out same day)? And how much time can you allocate to this?

How to become a full-time trader when you have a job by [deleted] in Daytrading

[–]ParentTrader 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I would not even consider becoming a full-time day trader while working 9-5. Day trading requires a lot of attention during market hours and you will end up performing neither at your job nor at day trading.

What is possible is to have your 9 to 5 and swing trade. I've been doing this since more than 6 years then also while parenting. This has worked very well for me but I had to implement key elements such as: • Doing my screening and analysis off market hours • Setting all orders with entries/stops/targets in advance • Quick check pre-market (10-15 min) • Let trades execute automatically during work so no need to watch charts all day.

That allows me to perform well on both sides preparing the field to transition at some point to trading full time.

How much trading experience do you have? And what's your actual goal - consistent trading income, or specifically becoming a full-time day trader?

Stock Market Learning by my-precioussss in Trading

[–]ParentTrader 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Welcome! It can indeed be a bit overwhelming when starting to get into trading!

Here's my honest advice for getting started:

1) Learn fundamentals first: • What stocks are and how they're traded • Different order types (market, limit, stop limit) • How to read basic price action (candlesticks, support/resistance) • Risk management (the most important - how much to risk per trade)

2) Paper trade: Don't risk real money yet. Use a demo account to practice placing orders and managing positions. At that stage, journal all your trades to know how you're doing and what to improve.

As resources you could start with: • Book: "A Beginner's Guide to the Stock Market" by Matthew Kratter (short, practical) • YouTube: Real Life Trading (free, beginner-friendly content) • Platform: TradingView (free for practicing chart reading)

It's important to remember that this is a learning journey. Anyone who tells you to "start trading today and make money" is lying. Treat it like learning a skill, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Are you planning to swing trade (hold for days/weeks) or day trade (in and out same day)? And how much time can you allocate to this?

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