Getting Started
The best traders I know spent months in paper trading before risking a single dollar. Here's how to get started.
Why I'm Recommending This Path
When I started trading, I made every mistake in the book. Jumped in with real money, no plan, no practice. The market taught me expensive lessons that I could have learned for free with paper trading.
Paper trading isn't "fake" trading - it's where you develop the pattern recognition and discipline that separate profitable traders from gamblers. Every theory you've learned? This is where you test it.
Take it seriously. Track every trade. Learn from every mistake. Your future self will thank you.
Why Paper Trading First?
Professional athletes don't compete without practice. Professional traders shouldn't either.
Test Your Theories
Before risking real money, validate your trading ideas in a live market environment without financial consequences.
Build Muscle Memory
Repetition creates habits. Practice entries, exits, and stop losses until they become second nature.
Track Your Progress
Keep a trading journal of your paper trades. Review wins and losses to refine your strategy.
No Emotional Pressure
Learn pattern recognition and risk management without the stress of real money on the line.
Get Started with TradingView
For beginners, I recommend TradingView.com as your charting platform. It's the industry standard for technical analysis, and the free version gives you everything you need to start.
Why TradingView?
- Powerful desktop web app - no download needed
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go analysis
- Freemium version allows up to 3 indicators
- This is the platform I use in our weekly Zoom meetups
- Paper trading feature built right in
I do not receive any commissions or affiliate payments from TradingView. I'm recommending it purely because it's what I use personally, what I teach with in our weekly Zoom calls, and what I believe gives beginners the best foundation for technical analysis.
There are other great platforms out there (Thinkorswim, TC2000, etc.), but TradingView's accessibility and free tier make it my go-to recommendation for those just starting out.
This Stock Screener Finds True Market Leaders
Get instant access to a ready-to-use TradingView scanner. Enter your email to unlock.
Leveraged ETF Scanner Setups
Copy-paste filter criteria for TradingView Stock Screener included with our signals subscription:
- 1Momentum Breakout Scanner - Bull ETFs breaking out above key moving averages
- 2Oversold Bounce Scanner - ETFs at extreme oversold levels for mean reversion
- 3Overbought Short Scanner - Bear ETF entries or short-term profit taking
- 4Gap Up Follow-Through - Continuation moves after gap-up openings
- 5Volume Surge Scanner - Unusual activity and institutional interest
- 6Sector Rotation Scanner - Money flow between sectors for positioning
- 7Crypto Leveraged ETF Scanner - Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP & Solana products
These scanners are included with the Leveraged ETF & Stock Signals subscription
The Only 3 Indicators You Need to Start
TradingView's free version limits you to 3 indicators - but honestly, that's all a beginner needs. Here's what I recommend:
Multi-Timeframe Moving Averages
A powerful bundle covering weekly, daily, 4hr & 1hr timeframes. Includes 200 SMA, 100 SMA, 50 SMA, 21 EMA, 11 EMA, 8 EMA, and 5 EMA - see trend confluence across all timeframes at once.
Stochastic
Momentum oscillator that compares closing price to price range over time. Perfect for identifying overbought/oversold conditions and potential reversal points.
RSI (Relative Strength Index)
Spot overbought/oversold conditions and divergences that signal potential reversals. Works great in combination with Stochastic for confirmation.
Master these three before adding complexity. Simplicity wins in trading.
Paper Trading Master Guide
Everything you need to start practicing like a professional - in one comprehensive PDF.
What's Inside This Guide:
- Step-by-Step TradingView Setup - Exactly how to configure your charts, indicators, and paper trading account
- The 30-Day Practice Framework - A structured daily routine that builds real trading skills in just one month
- Trade Journal Templates - Ready-to-use templates to track entries, exits, emotions, and lessons learned
- Common Beginner Mistakes - The 10 pitfalls that blow up most beginners - and how to avoid them
- When You're Ready for Real Money - Clear criteria to know when your paper trading results justify going live
Paper Trading Master Guide
Complete PDF Guide - Instant Download
No email required - start practicing today
Watch & Learn
These videos will help you get started with paper trading and using TradingView effectively.
Getting Started with Charts
Learn the basics of navigating TradingView and setting up your first chart.
Paper Trading Fundamentals
How to use paper trading to practice your strategies without risking real money.
Your Action Plan
Start practicing today - here's exactly what to do:
Create a Free TradingView Account
Sign up at tradingview.com with your email
Add Your 3 Indicators
Add Volume, EMA (set to 21), and RSI to your chart
Enable Paper Trading Mode
Click 'Trading Panel' at the bottom and select 'Paper Trading'
Find a Setup & Practice
Look for patterns you've learned and execute paper trades
Journal Every Trade
Write down entry, exit, reason, and what you learned
"The goal of a successful trader is to make the best trades. Money is secondary."
- Alexander Elder