What does a realistic first year of trading look like?

The honest answer is rarely profitable: the first year is usually about learning, making small mistakes and not blowing up. The marketing on social media says otherwise, which sets beginners up for disappointment.

Members with a few years behind them: describe your first year in numbers and feelings.

• how the account balance moved
• when you first felt like you understood anything
• the moment you knew the "get rich quick" videos were wrong

Honesty here is a kindness.