I am currently building up my main account. I'm saving some money from my each month's earnings and adding it up to my trading account. Also I'm keeping my fully made profit of every month in my account so that the growth can speed up a bit.
If you feel that you have decent trading skills you could consider becoming a signal provider at a sight like ZuluTrade. You can make money in fees from subs. If you are not profitable you won't get any subs and you won't make any money, but at least you won't lose any money either. It's like paper trading but getting paid for it if you win consistently.
1st time - saved up 2nd time - took a loan out against a car title (actually a truck, and I would not recommend doing this - even though I did) 3rd time - learned to trade (finally) 3rd time - else stop fooling yourself about being consistent RN
In high school we had a new 'Leadership' class my senior year where they actually tried to teach us useful things like investing and how to balance a checkbook. I tentatively raised my hand and asked if a person could borrow money to invest in stocks. The teacher was stunned. He asked the class to pay close attention and listen carefully to what he was about to say. Then he said, "See this boy? He will be the first in this class to become a millionaire!" Never have dumber words been spoken. That was the worst advice anyone ever gave me. Never borrow money to trade with. Better to work hard and earn it. Then you will be far more vigilant in protecting it. Losing borrowed money is a lot more likely than losing money it took you months or years to save.
Sources of funding of those I personally know... 1) Worked extra hours or worked another job...saved their money 2) Sold an asset and then lived cheaply (e.g. sold auto and then biked/bus to work, sold house and then moved into a cheap apartment, got another roommate in apartment to cut expenses in 1/2) 3) Took out a low interest personal loan...but the trader was consistently profitable for 14 months 4) Borrowed funding from family after showing verified documentation of profitability. Paid back with no interest (its family). 5) Stop trading for awhile and worked multiple jobs until proper capitalization was reached. 6) Traded prop firm for awhile 7) TopStepTrader.com Myself, I was partially funded by my parents and I saved for the rest prior to the first trade. Simply, I was properly capitalized out of the gate.
Your teacher was right! Anyone who makes it big trading trades OPM--- sure there are a few who eeek out a living with small accounts, but unless you are wealthy or run in the right circles, borrowing money is the only way you WILL EVER MAKE anything of yourself as a trader. That is if you want to be comfortable--- surf
Yep, I was smiling about all other comments about extra hours work and saving. OPM is the only way unless already HNW.