Question 1

What is the most common beginner investing mistake?

Accepted Answer

There is no single one, but chasing whatever just went up is among the most common. People buy after a big move because it feels safe, which often means buying near a high and selling near a low when the move reverses.

Question 2

Is making these mistakes a sign I am bad at investing?

Accepted Answer

No. These patterns are normal and almost everyone makes some of them. They come from how our minds react to money and uncertainty, not from a lack of intelligence. The point is to notice them and build simple habits that make them less likely.

Question 3

How do I avoid confusing luck with skill?

Accepted Answer

Judge a decision by whether the reasoning was sound and the risk was sensible, not only by whether it made money. A single good or bad outcome over a short period tells you very little, because randomness plays a large role over small samples.