Investing in Your Own Financial Education

By: Nick Mango | October 10, 2019

Conventional wisdom says that to make money in the financial markets, you have to focus in on some high-performing stocks, options, or ETFs to trade. Rarely, if ever, though, will folks think that their best initial investment is in themselves and in their own knowledge of financial markets. Yet, many experts would agree that the first investment you should make isn’t in an equity or other asset… it’s in some form of reputable financial education.

There is a seemingly endless array of financial information available on the internet, and it is as good a place as any to start. However, it’s important to remember that the internet isn’t the only option, or necessarily the best one by which to be informed. Unfortunately, the vast amount of information found on the Internet is often contradictory in nature and sometimes ends up leaving knowledge seekers feeling confused rather than educated.

Here’s another critical point: You have to be an active and involved participant in your own education. You must lead the way in terms of defining your desired strategy for investing and/or trading. Once you have a general idea of your financial goals, you can then seek out education that will help you to attain them.

Best Places to Obtain Financial Education

Attend a Financial Trade Show or Conference

Given the advent of webinars, virtual events and the quantity of information on seemingly everything being available on the Internet, many people don’t feel compelled to pack their suitcases and head off to a financial trade show or conference. The fact is, however, there are some pretty good reasons why a financial trade show or conference would be worth the trip.

These shows can be huge and diverse, with dozens of renowned financial experts presenting on a variety of topics. There tends to be something for everyone. Particularly at events attended by industry-leading experts and top companies, the quality of the education is likely to be second to none.  This makes it easier to tap into the available value, which in this case is reputable knowledge and information.

To maximize results at a trade show or financial conference, it’s important to have smaller, more focused objectives.  It’s also important to chart a path beforehand that supports the pursuit of very specific skills; this includes knowledge on investing and trading. Remember, you’re not relying on others to give you your strategy for trading or investing; that’s for you to evaluate and decide for yourself. But once you do, reputable education providers are there to help show you how best to execute that chosen strategy.

Other Ways to Maximize the Benefits of Attending a Financial Trade Show:  

• Plan your day(s): Check the schedule beforehand and create an action plan for each day that enables you to see the experts and subject matter that fits your precise goals and objectives. Once you set your plan, stick to it even if it means that you’ll miss some other experts and topics this time around. Remember, there’s usually the option to access show content digitally after the event and if not, there’s always next time!   
  
• Come with questions…and get them answered: A financial conference is often the perfect place to get honest, unbiased answers to your unique investing and trading questions, so make sure you write questions down and don’t be afraid to ask! Also, don’t just talk to the professionals. Some of the most meaningful interactions may not be in the workshops at all, but in the hallways and receptions while speaking with the experts, fellow investors and traders. Make time for these conversations and actively seek them out, rather than just keeping to yourself.

Receive In-Person Training & Mentoring

Given the way technology now rules our world, it would be easy to read countless books and lessons on investing and trading online, or to take the offered web-based courses and tutorials until the end of time. These educational tools, however, often lack the personalization you want and rightfully deserve when it comes to your financial education.

You may choose to learn the fundamentals of investing and/or trading online. If you do, realize that when it comes down to fully creating, testing and implementing your portfolio strategy, you must conduct research, formally screen and vet prospective education providers and work face-to-face (or even one-on-one) with a financial expert and educator that you can trust. (Maybe that will be one of the professionals that you connected with at a trade show or seminar.)

You might also consider starting out by taking classes in your local area.  This can  become the foundation for your intermediate knowledge. From there, you can keep expanding your knowledge and skill set by adding on new classes and coursework; you can subscribe to continuing education courses from trusted expert(s) and, in partnership with a mentor of your choosing, work together to develop consistency and master your chosen strategy. Trading Academy has locations worldwide that can help you to achieve your goals.

Developing a strong financial knowledge base and developing a successful investing or trading strategy can be a lengthy process.  It may also  require a significant investment However, gaining a proper financial education can pay for itself many times over when it results in proficiency and consistently positive market performance.

Use the Internet where and when it can help you, but don’t forget about more traditional (and personal) education sources. Given the depth and scope of the Internet, and the connections that are waiting to be made at financial seminars and conferences, reputable financial experts and educators have never been more accessible. Use that fact to your full advantage and consider your own education a worthwhile investment in yourself, your family  and your financial future.

Nick Mango is a freelance writer and editor whose work in the investing, trading, and financial communities spans more than 12 years. He’s co-author of the book, Traders at Work (Apress, 2013), and has consistently published content across major media outlets and the Web’s most well-known and respected financial portals, including Trading Academy.