CFD trading can be a very competitive and high risk market, especially for new traders. With a few tricks up the sleeve, and by becoming better informed, one can close that risky gap just a bit more. Most of these tips can be easily understood and utilized prior to the first trade. This makes them ideal to anyone just starting, and they also apply to other aspects of trading too.
First and foremost is understanding how CFD works. If at all confused, try to find the answers before trading, or ask for help from a qualified CFD broker. Know the job of the seller, the buyer, and how to properly utilize all tools involved. Learn how to track, interpret, and foresee market trends. What sets a good trader apart from a great one is learning how the markets works from every possible angle. However, this can not be learned overnight nor can it be all taught by books or websites. No, most of it will come with experience through active trading.
Possibly most important is to create a master game plan before you start. CFD should be looked upon as a game of intense strategy, though not so intense that one can never win. Write it down, and no matter what arises, stick to your plan. Plan for any and all possible scenarios so there will never be any surprises. No one wants to have to make a decision while under fire, and some trading can be intense like that. If not properly prepared, one can make huge mistakes that cost them a lot of money.
Using a stop loss can and often times does save money from being lost. It is considered to be the most under utilized tool available to traders, though it is one of the most essential for long term success. However, this does not mean that one would never lose money by using it. Although, it can turn what would have been a substantial loss into a very minor one. When properly used, it will keep your money safer during power or internet outages, or if one had to step away for a moment. Plan on having it set prior to starting, and set it a comfortable level that will vary between each person. Plan to place both a buy and sell stop loss if partaking in both.
Trading funds should never, ever be money that is used for survival. If the account funding will take food off of a table, clothes off a back, or allow the roof to cave in, do not use it for funding a trading account. It is way too risky and one even minor mistake could lose it all. Instead save some money from each paycheck until you have enough to open a trading account. Using partial savings is of course another valid option, although one might want to put it back once money is made. While saving up to fund the account it is best to take this time to learn the ins, and outs of CFD. Use this time to write up a game plan, strategy, or even about how the earned money will be spent.
Finally, do not look to make trading a full time job right away. Instead look to it as a hobby. Sure it can be a costly hobby compared to some, but doing it out of enjoyment will reduce the stress in losses. And over time, it is possible to make it a great source of income. Remember, it's more of a game of strategy that everyone is playing together. When losses occurs, it is alright to get upset, but do not let it get in the way of continuing to trade, and to learn. While it can make quite a bit of money, depending on course on the investment, it should not remain the only source of income for the beginner. Instead use it to fund a vacation, or even to fund an early retirement.