The community that I found through trading has supported me to not shy away from being a beginner on this path.

I spent my first few years out of college working and interning for causes I cared about, however, they all had something in common: I was working 80+ hour weeks and found myself consistently broke. After realizing I was doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results, I finally set a financial goal as part of my 2017 new year’s resolution. It was that January that my mom invited me to join her for a class she was taking to learn about the financial markets. That weekend opened my eyes to a world I didn’t think was possible for me to ever understand and gave me the foundation to start my trading journey. While “the numbers” seemed overwhelming at first, I understood that the system was purposely built to contain a lot of jargon and confusion. After this class, I quickly started taking online classes, reading up on the markets, and participating in a mentorship program. I even started trading during lunch breaks from work and spending Sundays once a month with the Women in Trading group that formed in the D.C. area.

Learning to trade has had some unexpected lessons, constant teachers and reminders that I apply to my life daily. It gave me confidence to not shy away from numbers — weather I’m looking at a report at work or scouting for trade positions. It also put me on a path to start thinking strategically about budgeting, savings, retirement as well as learning risk management techniques. Most importantly, the community that I found through trading has supported me to not shy away from being a beginner on this path.

I’m still working and pursuing a master’s degree in the process on top of trading, therefore, this journey isn’t without its challenges. The difference now is I have more concrete plans about my future, which will include spending more time loved ones as well as having the means to contribute to causes that I care about — by mastering trading.

Hila Arbell

Hila is a media professional who started her trading journey in 2017. A member of the Women in Trading group, Hila is passionate about personal development and financial education.