Tons of Forex advertising out there always yield something like “$2,000 properly positioned in Forex market can give you returns of over $10,000 profit” Advertisements like this are a disservice to the financial industry as a whole and end up costing uneducated investors a lot more than $2,000. In addition, they help to create the third fatal flaw: Unrealistic Expectations. Yes, it is possible to experience above-average returns trading your own account. However, it’s difficult to do it without taking on above-average risk. So what is a realistic return to shoot for in your first year as a trader? 50%, 100%, 300%? Whoa!

Don’t get caught in those unrealistic expectations. The goal for every trader their first year out should be not to lose money. In other words, shoot for a 0% return your first year.

If you can manage that, then in year two, try to beat the market. These goals may not be flashy but they are realistic, and if you can learn to live with them and achieve them you will wipe out fast.