Every beginner makes mistakes in the stock market. But the most expensive mistakes are avoidable — if you know them beforehand.

Mistake 1: Trading Without a Plan

The problem: You buy a stock because it is in the news, without knowing why, how long to hold, or when to sell.

The solution: Before every purchase, answer three questions: Why am I buying? When do I sell with profit? When do I sell with loss (stop-loss)?

Mistake 2: Putting Everything on One Card

The solution: Start with a broadly diversified ETF. Individual stocks maximum 5% per position.

Mistake 3: Panic Selling During Drops

The solution: Corrections are normal (every 1-2 years). Crashes are rare (every 10+ years). Both recover. Do not sell — hold through.

Mistake 4: Following Hot Tips

The solution: Every tip must pass your own review. If you cannot explain why the stock should rise, do not buy it.

Mistake 5: Trading Too Often

The solution: Set up savings plan, check portfolio once per quarter. Not more.

Mistake 6: Trying to Time the Market

The solution: Invest immediately via savings plan. Cost averaging smooths the entry price automatically.

Mistake 7: Ignoring Fees

The solution: Choose ETFs with under 0.3% TER. Use brokers without depot fees.

Mistake 8: Only Looking at Price Gains

The solution: Always consider total return: Price gain + dividends.

Mistake 9: Not Limiting Losses

The solution: Define maximum loss before every trade. Set stop-loss. Iron discipline.

Mistake 10: Impatience

The solution: Realistic expectations. 7-10% per year is excellent. Compound interest needs time — the magic happens after 10+ years.

Bottom Line: Each of these mistakes costs you money. But none is unavoidable. Learn from others mistakes — it is cheaper than learning from your own.