Post:

I’ve been trading for over a decade, and throughout that time, I kept a log of the most common questions I had when starting out — and now, after coaching dozens of people with full-time jobs trying to trade on the side, I’ve noticed those same questions come up again and again.

So if you’re new to trading (especially while working a day job), I hope these help you avoid some early pitfalls and focus on what matters.

❓ 1. How do I trade with a small account?

Answer:
Start by learning how to trade — without risking money. Use a demo account to build consistency first. Once you’re confident, consider using a reputable prop firm (like TopStep You’ll take an evaluation for a small fee, and if you pass, they’ll fund you to trade with none of your own money at risk.

From there, you can grow with their capital until you’re ready to go independent.

❓ 2. Where do I start learning?

Answer:
Every trader should understand:

• Technical Analysis
• Candlestick Patterns
• Wyckoff Method
• Fibonacci Levels
• Camarilla Pivots

And beyond charts, learn macro stuff — how the news, geopolitics, and other markets affect the instrument you’re trading.

But the biggest thing that separates success from failure is psychology. You can have the best edge, but if you can’t stay disciplined, manage risk, or handle losses, you won’t make it. Get some solid trading psychology books ASAP.

❓ 3. What should I trade and what kind of trader should I be?

Answer:
This one’s all about you. Ask yourself:

• Do I work during normal hours?
• Do I want high speed trades (scalping)? Or slow swings (investing)?
• Can I hold a trade for days? Or do I need to be flat every day?

I personally found futures day trading worked great while I had a full-time job. The extended hours let me trade early and be done in about an hour. But this depends entirely on your schedule and personality.

If you’re new and figuring it out, I hope this gives you some direction. Got other questions you think should be added to this list? Let me know—I’m always open to sharing what I’ve learned and helping others improve.

Good luck and trade with discipline. 💪📉📈