Beginning to trade real money...

[v8 muscle]

So I figure that since I'll have a job this summer I'll have some money to play with. Any thoughts on first starting to trade with real money? Strategies, go with long-term/short term investing, etc?

[MC]

Originally Posted by v8 muscle

So I figure that since I'll have a job this summer I'll have some money to play with. Any thoughts on first starting to trade with real money? Strategies, go with long-term/short term investing, etc?

Absolutely, start with swing trading.
This will let you exercise how to trade live, and play small amounts so you don't lose a bunch. Trading is 90% mental so how much you're trading with isn't a factor when learning how to trade, it's more about learning and improving.

[v8 muscle]

I'll be making about 500/week or so for a about 3 months, how much should I "buy in" with? obviously more starting capital = more gains but im worried ill lose it all lol

[MC]

Originally Posted by v8 muscle

I'll be making about 500/week or so for a about 3 months, how much should I "buy in" with? obviously more starting capital = more gains but im worried ill lose it all lol

More $ in could mean more gains OR most importantly...more losses.

As a newer trader, I want you to begin doing this right early on.
Reverse what you think the market is for, look at each trade for what it can COST you, not what it can make you. You have to fully embrace the loss you could suffer before you should ever take a live trade. Early on losses will still be painful, that's human nature. You need to outgrow that and begin to realize you will have losers and they shouldn't hurt if you executed your plan and it's a solid one.

And if you're worried about losing it all, wait till you have more disposable $ cause you have to plan for the worst in the market.