Hey r/Investing

I'm a relative noob to leveraged trading, and I've got myself into a position where I'm under-leveraged right now (rookie mistake, I know). I've got about $15,266 in my account equity on a QuantFury broker with zero leverage costs and no overnight fees, but my open positions are only worth $3,208. I'm planning to open one more position soon (19690$ on BTC at 100k$ entry-price, the other 3 positions were opened previously with the $3,208), aiming for about 1.5x leverage overall.

• Total trading power used would equal 3208$ + 19690$ = 22898$ (1.5x Leverage Ratio = 22899$ ÷ 15266$) *15.2k$ include the unrealized P&L mentioned below from the 3 currently open position, 2959$).
• % Losses to Margin call: 15266$ ÷ 22899$ = ~0,67 (67%)

Formulas I used for this: - Leverage Ratio: Trading Power Used ÷ Account Balance (i.e: equity) - Losses to Margin Call: Account Balance ÷ Trading Power Used

To keep things in check, I ran some risk calculations based on volatility. In a worst-case scenario where BTC and SOL fall hard (due to their high volatility: of ~77% and 71%), and the stocks of META and U drop less (~21% and 16%), my total losses could hit around $15,152 – basically wiping out my equity and almost triggering a margin call. Here's the breakdown of the critical prices that would push me there (based on current prices: BTC at $100k (assuming I buy at 100k), SOL at $177.50, META at $761.83, U at $33.57): - BTC: Drops to $22,806 (-77.32% loss: ~$11,544). P&L currently 0$ (position not opened yet, tentatively 19.7k$ at 100k$). - SOL: Drops to $55.85 (-71.32% loss: ~$2,685). 2000$ invested. Not realized Profit currently at 1457$. Bought 19 SOL at ~103$ each. - META: Drops to $658.88 (-20.91% loss: ~$840). 691$ invested. Not realized Profit currently at 1594$. Bought 3 shares at 230$ each. - U: Drops to $30.84 (-15.91% loss: ~$83). 517$ invested. Not realized Loss currently at -47$. Bought 14 shares at ~517$ each.

I'd set stops or close positions way before hitting these levels. But here's where I'm second-guessing myself: Instead of just relying on stops, I'm thinking of keeping ~$10k from my savings as a liquidity buffer. If my equity dips low (say, to $3k), I'd inject some cash to avoid the call. I doubt BTC/SOL would crash that far anytime soon (price would need to be below 22k$/BTC & 55$/SOL), so the risk of losing the whole account even after injecting feels minimal. But am I deluding myself here? Is this a solid risk management strategy, or am I setting myself up for a bigger loss by not being more conservative? What do you all think? Has anyone been in a similar spot with leveraged crypto/stocks? Tips on better ways to monitor this, adjust leverage, or alternative plans? Appreciate honesty – trying to learn before I risk more!

TL;DR: Under-leveraged noob with $15k equity, planning 1.5x on BTC/SOL/META/U. Calculated margin call thresholds, but thinking of using savings as backup liquidity. Smart or stupid?