Why Should I Learn to Trade?

Imagine earning additional income without the need for a second "job." Picture a more laid-back lifestyle, enjoying more of the travel and leisure activities you've always wanted, and having the ability to spend more time with family, friends, and loved ones. Now add to that the fulfilment and personal satisfaction that comes with empowering your own success, and right there you have a host of reasons why tens of thousands decide to learn to trade each and every year. Perhaps you're even considering trading yourself?

As you might expect, most newbies believe—or are led to believe—that trading is a way to "get rich quick," to effortlessly earn sizable profits each and every month, and retire comfortably in just a couple years. And while the reality is quite different, trading can be extremely rewarding nonetheless. Here are a few more reasons (both personal and professional) why you, too, may opt to learn to trade, and why doing so could be one of the best decisions you've ever made.

Learn to Trade to Monetize Your Down Time

For most, the "secret" to maximizing earning potential is really quite simple: Make money even when you aren't at work. To illustrate, consider this: You would need to earn about $50 an hour at a regular, "day" job in order to earn $100,000 annually. But if you earned money in your "off" hours, too, you would only need to make about $12 an hour to earn that same $100,000.

Trading, then, is seen by many as a means of monetizing their "down" time and creating an important, secondary income stream, one that enables them to make money while enjoying time with family, or doing chores around the house, or even while sleeping. The ability to tap into this additional earning potential can be life-changing for many, and is a big reason why so many individuals aspire to learn to trade each and every year.

For a More Active Pursuit of Financial Freedom

Today, individuals and families work harder than ever before to stretch their often-limited incomes. Indeed, the lingering effects of economic and financial crises of years past are still fresh, and with wage growth remaining flat throughout much of the world, those who learn to trade may stand to improve their ability to pay down debt, invest for the future, or even live better right now.

For hard-working individuals, trading represents a way to take greater control over their finances, capitalize on compelling, short-term market opportunities presented several times each month, and earn additional income without returning to school or taking on a second job.

In all, lifestyle trading and following The Lazy Trader methodology can fit into your existing, daily routine, improve earning potential, and empower you to reach that elusive goal of achieving lasting financial freedom.

To Enjoy More Balance between Work & Life

Traditional wisdom tells us that the return from a given activity—like work, for example—is often proportionate to the effort and resources we have invested to begin with. I believe the old adage is, "You get back what you put in."

It's this way of thinking, though, that often causes people to work even longer and harder while pursuing their goal of financial independence. Trading, however, can be a welcome exception, enabling individuals to realise financial benefits without a large-scale commitment of time and resources.

Also read: Conventional Trading Wisdom That Contradicts Itself

Thousands of happy, part-time traders, in fact, have achieved greater balance between work and life, all while trading consistently and remaining on their stated career path. So for both financial and lifestyle benefits, don't learn to trade a method that calls for countless hours of chart reading, constant trade planning, and staring at trades while in progress. Choose a method like this one, which is geared for more freedom, flexibility, and the work/life balance you want and so richly deserve.

For a Relaxing Hobby You Can Enjoy for Years to Come

Don't forget the fun and enjoyment factor, either! Trading is not a job, nor is it something that any of us have to do. Rather, it's a productive hobby, and a nice way to make your free time work for you. Plus, unlike with sports and traditional recreational activities like golf, running, tennis, and the like, you can practically trade for as long as you want, so it's good for both young and old.

I find that trading keeps me sharp and well-informed, ensures that I'm engaged and accountable for my time and decision making, and most of all, is a fun and rewarding activity that I look forward to each and every day.

So if you're thinking you want to learn to trade, approach it as a hobby, not a job or a means to "get rich quick." Trade conservatively and with an eye on the long term, and perhaps most importantly, be sure to get a complete, well-orchestrated trading education straight from a reputable source.

Good luck in all your trading endeavours!