April 4, 2008
Q: Trading e-minis sounds very interesting, but how do I get over being too timid to try it?
A: I fully understand what you say. Everyone has heard about the stock market all of their lives, yet, only about 80-million —of the 300-million Americans take advantage of the opportunities the market offers everyone. Most are either "too timid" (as you've explained) or have never taken the time to learn something about participating in the 'market'. Trading the e-mini is not only the perfect place for one to start, it will probably be the only way you'll ever want to be 'in the market' …..once you learn how. Being afraid of something usually results from not understanding it, or assumptions based on things we've heard from others. For example: stories of people "…loosing their shirt in the market." Bad news…. always travels faster and further than good news. How many times have you heard people tell how they bought a stock and, immediately it went 'south' on them! Tragically, most folks know nothing more about the stock market than that you …just buy a stock and then hold and hope that it goes up in value (over time). We are constantly indoctrinated by the 'insiders' of the stock market —the mutual funds and stock brokerage houses —that INVESTING with Diversification is the only way to 'be in the stock market'. And, of course, they want you to turn your money over to them to invest it and manage it for you with all of their professional expertise. They will never tell you anything about trading…or, especially 'self-trading', other than laugh at you if you tell them you'd like to do your own trading.
So, there are lots of reasons why so many feel "too timid to try". The main theme of my book (if I were to select just one) is how to overcome one's timidity and literally jump on this great little home business idea and go after it with gusto! While learning something new may seem intimidating at first, once we get started, we begin to discover that it ain't so difficult [really] after all. In my book, we also explore in great depth the psychology of trading. My main goal in writing it is to help others get past their start-up stage and well on their way to becoming successful traders. That's why I refer to it as a 'road map'.
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Comments on Q: Trading e-minis sounds very interesting, but how do I get over being too timid to try it? »
I just read your book and couldn't put it down until I was finished. I have been trading equities for a few years now with hopes of making a decent living at it. I have spent thousands on education over the last 4 years preparing myself and reading many books on the subject. I had gotten to the point where I was profitable but the work involved in finding stocks to trade out of the thousands out there was always so confusing to me. I was always under the misconception that Eminis were for more experienced traders. Boy was I wrong.
I became interested in Eminis and found Mel Hardman's book by coincidence (if you believe in coincidences, I don't, everything happens for a reason). Mr. Hardman's book is very easy to understand and very informative especially for the person who knows nothing about trading. I would recommend this book for everyone interested in trading and becoming self sufficient. There are tons of services and newsletters out there willing to take your money each month to give you stock picks but you are never self sufficient and always will have to rely on others.
I am very excited about the opportunities that trading Eminis is going to give me. The most mind blowing thought that keeps going through my mind and is what got me interested in trading in the first place, is that trading is available to everyone! It is there for the taking and the possibilities are limitless. If I had one wish it would be that trading (not investing) would be a subject taught in school giving everyone tools to prosper for life.
Thanks so much Mr. Hardman for your contribution and time. People should not be mislead by the low cost of your book and assume that is it's value. The value is much greater that books I have paid $250.00 for only to be more confused after reading it.
Regards,
Patti
Thank you, Patti, for your kind words. I hope a lot of folks see trading e-minis as the great opportunity "….available to everyone, and …there, just for the taking." I've had several buyers of my book come back and tell me it's worth for more than I'm asking for it; one person wrote me that it would be worth $2,995.00 dolllars to him! Makes me feel real good when folks value something I've done so highly. Good luck with your transition from trading stocks —to emini's. I often tell folks that when you've traded stocks, you'll never again invest in stocks; and when you've traded stock OPTIONS, you'll never again trade stocks; and, when you've traded e-minis, you'll never again trade stock options.
MH