You have decided to try AI trading. Great. But where do you start? This guide takes you from zero to your first signal-based trade in 7 steps.

Step 1: Calibrate Expectations

Before investing a single cent, you need to understand: AI trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Realistic expectations are 10-20% excess return per year with reduced risk. Anyone expecting 100% in one month will be disappointed and make poor decisions.

Step 2: Set Up a Broker Account

You need a broker that fits your trading style:

For beginners: Trade Republic or Scalable Capital — simple interface, low fees, good mobile app
For advanced traders: Interactive Brokers — professional tools, API access, broad product range
Important: Choose a regulated broker with deposit insurance

Step 3: Determine Capital

The golden rule: Only invest money you can afford to lose. For starting with AI signals, we recommend at least 5,000 euros — this allows meaningful diversification and keeps transaction costs proportional.

Never: Take out loans, invest emergency funds, or use money you will need in the next 12 months.

Step 4: Connect Your Platform

At the Dieter Investment Club, you connect your broker via a secure API interface. This takes about 5 minutes:

Generate API key in your broker dashboard
Enter the key in the Dieter Dashboard
Test the connection (test order in paper trading mode)

Do not worry: We only have read and trade access — no access to withdrawals or personal data.

Step 5: Start Paper Trading

This step is not optional. Before using real money, trade for at least 2-4 weeks in paper trading mode. You receive the same signals but trade with virtual money. This way you learn:

What signals look like and when they arrive
How quickly you need to react
How gains and losses feel
Whether you can stick to position size recommendations

Step 6: Start Small

After paper trading, start with 50% of your planned position size. If the system recommends 2% of portfolio per trade, start with 1%. Only increase after you have successfully completed 20+ live trades and feel confident.

Step 7: Document and Learn

Keep a trading journal:

What signal did you receive?
Did you follow it? If not, why not?
What was the result?
What did you learn?

After 50 documented trades, you will have a significantly better understanding of how AI signals work best for you personally.

Bottom Line: Getting started with AI trading does not have to be complicated. The biggest mistakes happen not from bad signals but from impatience and lack of preparation. Take time for each step — your future self will thank you.