How to Start Trading in 2026

[read_meter]

A Complete Beginner’s Roadmap to Getting Funded Fast

Starting trading can feel intimidating, but with the right steps, discipline, and tools, beginners can build real skills without massive personal risk. This guide walks you through everything from education to live trading and why FundingTraders stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly prop firms in 2026. Prop trading lets you access larger capital early, turning small challenge fees into funded accounts with profit splits up to 100%.

Step 1: Educate Yourself on the BasicsBefore risking money, understand markets, risk, and psychology.

    • Learn core concepts: leverage, margin, pips/lots (forex), volatility, support/resistance, trends.

    • Trading types: day trading (short-term), swing (days/weeks), scalping, or position (longer-term).

    • Free resources: BabyPips.com (forex school), Investopedia, YouTube channels like Humbled Trader or The Moving Average, books like “Trading in the Zone” by Mark Douglas.

    • Commit 1–3 months to daily study (1–2 hours). Focus on psychology—most failures are emotional, not technical.

 

Step 2: Decide What You Want to TradePick based on time, risk tolerance, and interest:

    • Forex: 24/5, high liquidity, micro-lots for small accounts.

    • Crypto: Volatile, fractional buys, but high risk.

    • Stocks/ETFs: Easier for beginners, fractional shares.

    • Prop/Funded (recommended for limited capital): Trade firm money after passing a challenge—ideal for beginners with skill but low personal funds.

 

Step 3: Why FundingTraders Is the Smart First Step

FundingTraders makes starting accessible and low-risk for newcomers:

    •  Phase 1 –  Completely free (no upfront cost to test your approach and learn risk management stress-free). Pass Phase 1, pay a small fee for Phase 2, then move to funded trading. Transparent and fair—perfect for building confidence without pressure.

    • Low entry barriers — Challenges start as low as ~$159 for a $10K account (or similar low fees for Mini/Standard). No huge personal capital needed.

    • Instant Funded options — Skip lengthy evaluations if you’re ready; get straight to trading real capital (up to $400K+ scaling) with flexible rules.

    • Built-in safeguards & tools — Commission-free/swap-free challenges, realistic profit targets (e.g., 10% one-step), no mandatory stop-loss in some phases (but encouraged), and a Personal AI Trading Coach (for 50K+ accounts) that analyzes your performance, explains metrics, and gives actionable feedback.

    • Strong support — 24/7 live chat, WhatsApp, email, Help Center guides, Discord community for sharing ideas, and YouTube insights from CEO Stan.

    • Fast payouts & scaling — Weekly withdrawals, up to 100% profit split, and growth to larger accounts as you prove consistency.

    • Beginner focus — No time limits on evaluations, multiple strategies allowed, and emphasis on discipline over complex setups. Many beginners succeed here because it enforces good habits early.

This structure lets you learn with real stakes (firm capital) while protecting your own money.

Step 4: Choose Your Platform & Set Up

    • For prop: Sign up at FundingTraders → Select Novice/Challenge account → Trade on MT5/TradeLocker.

    • Demo first: Practice free (or use FundingTraders’ evaluation phases as “live demo” with rules).

    • Tools: TradingView for charts, MT5 for execution, journal for tracking.

Step 5: Build a Simple Trading Plan

    • Strategy: Start with 1–3 setups (e.g., price action, support/resistance).

    • Risk rules: 1% max per trade, predefined stops/take-profits.

    • Routine: Trade one session (e.g., London/NY overlap), journal every trade.

Step 6: Practice Extensively

    • Demo/challenge for 3–6 months until consistent.

    • Treat it seriously—follow rules religiously.

Step 7: Go Live & Scale

    • Start small (or pass FundingTraders challenge for funded capital).

    • Monitor psychology: Avoid revenge/overtrading/FOMO.

    • Review weekly: Fix mistakes, celebrate discipline.

Final Tips & Warnings

    • 90%+ lose initially so focus on learning, not quick profits.

    • Risk only what you can lose; use stop-losses.

    • Regulations: Stick to trusted firms.

FundingTraders’ free Phase 1 and AI tools make it easier for beginners to start right. Ready to try a Novice Account or challenge? Head to fundingtraders.com and begin your journey.

What market excites you most, or do you have questions about FundingTraders’ Novice setup? Let’s tailor this further!

Author of this article

Stan

Stan

Growing up in New York City, Stan started his Wall Street career at the age of 18 working for a reputed stock brokerage firm. After working comprehensively for a wealth management group in the States, Stan switched to investment management - followed up by a full-time trading career in traditional prop firms. Today, he shares his wisdom, strategies, and funding to aspiring traders looking to trade big like industry professionals. When he's not analyzing charts, making strategic decisions, and shooting videos, Stan loves writing down these informative value-driven posts to support aspiring traders across the globe.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

Related Articles

Current Promotion

Exclusive Offer!

FUNDINGTRADERS

Use code “BLOG” on our Dashboard for 30% off on all accounts.

Recent Posts
Latest Video
Categories