How to Become a Millionaire in the Stock Market

To become a millionaire in the stock market you need discipline, patience and some money to start with. Quite literally anyone can become a millionaire in the stock market if they stick to an investing plan and have a reasonably long time horizon. This is true whether you work in the stock market or are only an investor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start young. The more time you have, the larger your fortune will grow. But, it is never too early to invest even if it is only a few dollars a month.

2. Consider your time horizon. It's all about when you will need your money. If you want to start spending your millions when you retire then figure out how many years you have until then. Different time horizons call for different types of investments.

3. Choose your investments carefully. If you have a long time horizon then you can afford a greater amount of risk. In general, higher risk investments can produce greater returns over the long run. However, they can fluctuate dramatically. Low risk investments grow slowly but have stable share prices. The best course is to have a mix of high, medium and low risk investments at all times. The proportion of each depends on your time horizon.

4. Be wary of fees. They can eat up your gains over time. If you trade stocks frequently use a broker with low trading fees. If you invest in mutual funds check the fees in the prospectus from the mutual fund company.

5. Work in the stock market. Traders and financial experts are far more involved in the financial markets than the public at large. This can help them choose hot investments. However, many people who work in the stock market fail miserably. This is especially true of day traders who try to take advantage of slight fluctuations of stock prices on a daily basis. It is all about making smart decisions. Investment rules for a financial professionals are the same as for the rest of us.

6. Don't panic. Stocks go up and stocks go down. It has always been like this and it always will be like this. If the market starts dropping don't panic and sell everything. Likewise don't start buying just because a sector or stock gets hot. Suckers are burned this way in the stock market. Stick to your investment plan.

7. Re-balance your portfolio regularly. As you get closer to your time horizon you should shift your money into more conservative investments. Since you will need your money sooner this minimizes the risk. Investments grow unevenly so you may find that you have a higher percentage of high risk stock than you want or not enough cash. Re-balance your portfolio every six months or so.

Tips & Warnings

• Most millionaires are everyday working people in their 50's and 60's. Throughout their lives they kept expenses down, saved their money and invested well. You don't have to be like Donald Trump or Bill Gates to be rich. Every time you spend money ask yourself if you really need what you are buying. If not, invest that money instead. Avoid debt at all costs. That moves you away from your goal.
• There is risk in every investment. Be sure to consider all fees, penalties and risks before investing your money.

Resources

• Emerging Dragon
• Free Gold Tips