When people start investing, mistakes are normal. Most don’t come from being careless — they come from human behavior.
Trying to time the market
Buying and selling based on short-term news or predictions.
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Happens because people want certainty
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Usually leads to buying high and selling low
Chasing what’s hot
Jumping into stocks or trends after big gains.
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Driven by fear of missing out
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Often means arriving late, not early
Panicking during downturns
Selling when prices fall sharply.
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Losses feel more painful than gains feel good
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Emotions override long-term plans
Overcomplicating things
Using too many strategies or constantly changing plans.
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Comes from thinking investing must be complex
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Simplicity often works better
Ignoring time horizon
Using short-term thinking for long-term goals.
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Creates stress and unnecessary decisions
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Time is one of the biggest advantages beginners have
The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to learn, simplify, and stay consistent.