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Plain guides on trading risk, backtests, prop firms and investing.
Guides, quick answers and investing basics for the US, UK, India and Australia, in one place. Sources are linked inside each guide.
Education and analysis only. Not financial advice. Trading involves risk of loss.
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Why Is My Trading Strategy Not Working? 6 Real Reasons
Your strategy looked great in the backtest but loses live. Here are the 6 most common reasons, how to check each one, and what to do next.
How Much to Risk Per Trade: The 1% Idea, Explained with Numbers
How much to risk per trade: why many traders use 0.5-2%, what losing streaks look like in numbers, and a free risk of ruin calculator for your own num
Is This Trading Tip a Scam? 8 Warning Signs to Check
Got a stock, F&O or crypto tip by message? 8 warning signs regulators publish, 4 checks that take two minutes, and a free tool that reads any tip.
Prop Firm Rules Explained: Drawdown, Consistency, Payouts
Prop firm rules explained: daily loss, max drawdown, consistency and payouts - what 16 firms publish. Plus prop firm trading tax Australia basics.
Scams and checks
- Is This Trading Tip a Scam? 8 Warning Signs to CheckGot a stock, F&O or crypto tip by message? 8 warning signs regulators publish, 4 checks that take two minutes, and a free tool that reads any tip.
- Telegram Stock Tips Scam: How the Groups WorkTelegram stock tips scam explained: how Telegram and WhatsApp groups pull people in, India and Australia examples, the steps, and where to report.
- AI Trading Bot Scam Signs: 'AI Turned $80 Into $4,218' PostsHow 'AI made me rich' trading posts and AI bot offers work, 7 warning signs, what a real AI-built strategy test looks like, and a free check for any p
- Trading Scams Australia: 5 Checks Before You Send MoneyTrading scams in Australia: investment scams cost $837.7m in 2025. Five checks - ASIC register, Investor Alert List, website, contact, withdrawals.
- 10 Checks Before You Follow a Trading Tip (Free PDF)Ten checks to run before you act on a stock, crypto or forex tip: who sent it, licence, proof, pressure, payment method and more. Free printable PDF.
- Are Trading Signals a Scam? How to Tell, in 6 ChecksNot every trading signal service is a scam, but many are. Six checks: licence, full track record, costs, who gets paid, refund terms and the pressure us
- How to Check a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser (2026)Check a SEBI registered investment adviser or research analyst in 5 steps: INA/INH number, SEBI's list, matching details, @valid UPI and SCORES compla
- How to Check an AFSL Licence in Australia (ASIC Register)Check an Australian financial services licence in 4 steps: AFSL number, ASIC's professional registers, matching details and ASIC's investor alert list
- Fake Trading App Signs: Is a Trading App Real or Fake?Trading app real or fake? 7 fake trading app signs - no licensed firm, APK links, fake gains, withdrawal fees - plus checks for India, Australia, UK
Risk and position size
- How Much to Risk Per Trade: The 1% Idea, Explained with NumbersHow much to risk per trade: why many traders use 0.5-2%, what losing streaks look like in numbers, and a free risk of ruin calculator for your own num
- Position Size Calculator Crypto & Shares (Formula, Examples)The position size formula, worked examples for shares, Bitcoin and Indian F&O lots, the mistakes that make sizes too big, and a free calculator.
- How Much Gain Do You Need to Recover a Loss? (Exact Table)Max drawdown meaning in plain words, plus the exact recovery table: -10% needs +11.1%, -25% needs +33.3%, -50% needs +100%, with the formula.
- How Big Is a Bad Day for a Share? The 1-in-10 Bad Day, ExplainedHow far a share can normally fall in one day, how our 1-in-10 bad-day Risk Range is worked out from recent volatility, and how it was tested on 1,805
- Prop Firm Challenge Calculator: Size for Your Risk LimitMost prop challenges end on one bad day. How to choose a position size from your own trades, set a daily stop, and adjust size weekly to stay inside t
Backtests and strategies
- Backtest Overfitting: 5 Simple Tests to Spot ItOverfitting makes a strategy look great in the backtest and fail live. Five plain tests - neighbours, halves, costs, best days and versions tried - to
- Why Is My Trading Strategy Not Working? 6 Real ReasonsYour strategy looked great in the backtest but loses live. Here are the 6 most common reasons, how to check each one, and what to do next.
- How to Backtest on TradingView Properly (Honest Settings)Step-by-step: make TradingView's Strategy Tester honest - commission, slippage, fills on the next bar, no repainting, enough trades - and how to expor
- Is Backtesting Accurate? 10 Checks Before Real MoneyA 10-point checklist to tell a real trading edge from luck: sample size, costs, best trades and days, both halves, months, luck test, drawdown and mor
- ChatGPT Trading Bot Prompts: We Tested 5 on 10 YearsWe gave an AI chatbot 5 popular 'ChatGPT trading bot' prompts and tested the exact rules on 10 years of SPY, QQQ and Bitcoin. None beat buy-and-hold.
- AI Stock Prediction Accuracy: What 10 Years of Tests ShowAI stock prediction accuracy, tested for 10 years on SPY, QQQ, Nifty 50 and Bitcoin: a learned model was right 52-56% - no better than 'always up'.
- Walk Forward Testing Explained (With a Real 12-Year Test)Walk forward testing in plain words: optimise on past years, test on the next. Our SPY test: 12.3% a year in-sample fell to 6.0% out of sample.
- Trading Journal Excel Template (Free, No Sign-Up)Free trading journal Excel template: one row per trade, P&L and R-multiple formulas, notes. Save as CSV and Trade Autopsy finds costly habits.
- How Many Trades Do You Need for a Backtest? (Worked Example)How many trades for a backtest to mean something? Rules of thumb, win-rate error maths, and why 20 trades can't tell skill from luck.
- PBO: How Likely Is It That a Backtest Is Overfit?What the probability of backtest overfitting (PBO) means, how it is measured, a simple worked example, and what to do about a high PBO.
Prop firms
- Prop Firm Rules Explained: Drawdown, Consistency, PayoutsProp firm rules explained: daily loss, max drawdown, consistency and payouts - what 16 firms publish. Plus prop firm trading tax Australia basics.
- Prop Firm Drawdown Rules: Trailing vs Static, TestedProp firm drawdown rules: static, trailing, end-of-day and equity floors. In 20,000 simulated accounts, trailing floors ended about twice as many.
- Prop Firm Consistency Rule Calculator (Paste Daily P&L)Free prop firm consistency rule calculator: paste daily P&L, pick 20-50%, see your best-day share and the gain a payout needs.
- How to Pass a Prop Firm Challenge: What the Numbers ShowHow to pass prop firm challenge rules, by the numbers: 20,000 simulated challenges at 0.25-3% risk per trade. Size, not strategy, decided most fails.
India: F&O, charges and tax
- Why Most F&O Traders Lose Money: What SEBI's Studies FoundWhy do F&O traders lose money? SEBI found about 91% of individual F&O traders lost money in FY25 and 93% over FY22-24. Costs, expiry, size, habits.
- Lot Size and Charges: NIFTY and BANK NIFTY (2026), ExampleNIFTY lot size 65 and BANK NIFTY 30 in our planner, what one options or futures trade really costs after STT, GST and stamp duty, with worked rupee ex
- F&O Charges Calculator: STT, GST, Stamp Duty Explained (2026)F&O charges in Zerodha, Groww, Upstox or any broker: the same STT, exchange, SEBI, stamp duty, GST - only brokerage differs. Rates, examples, calculat
- STT on Options and Futures in India (2026): Rates + ExampleSTT on options from 1 April 2026: 0.15% of premium on the sell side, 0.15% of intrinsic value on exercise; futures 0.05%. Worked examples in rupees.
- F&O Tax in India: How Options and Futures Income Is TaxedF&O tax in India explained: business income at slab rates, ITR-3, turnover the ICAI way, tax audit limits and the 8-year loss carry-forward.
Financial models
- Financial Model Audit Checklist (Free PDF, 25 Checks)A free financial model review checklist: 25 checks for structure, formulas, links, the three statements, DCF logic and stress tests. PDF download.
- DCF Model Checker: 8 Mistakes That Change the ValueEight common DCF model mistakes and how to check each one: terminal growth vs discount rate, mid-year timing, tax, working capital, net debt and more.
Investing explained
The same seven basics, written for each country's rules and products.
United States
- How index funds and ETFs work - The USWhat a fund holds, how it is priced and what you pay. General information for US readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Savings, CDs and bonds explained - The USHow each one works, what can go wrong and what covers your deposit. General information for US readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- How people spread their money - The USDiversification, time and emergency money - the general idea. General information for US readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Investing fees and tax basics - The USThe fees that matter and how returns are usually taxed. General information for US readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Questions to ask before investing - The USTen plain questions for any product, person or platform. General information for US readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- How to check an investment licence - The USLook up the person or firm yourself, in two minutes. General information for US readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Common investing traps - The USThe patterns behind most losses and scams, and how to spot them. General information for US readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
United Kingdom
- How index funds and ETFs work - The UKWhat a fund holds, how it is priced and what you pay. General information for UK readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Savings, fixed-rate bonds and bonds explained - The UKHow each one works, what can go wrong and what covers your deposit. General information for UK readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- How people spread their money - The UKDiversification, time and emergency money - the general idea. General information for UK readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Investing fees and tax basics - The UKThe fees that matter and how returns are usually taxed. General information for UK readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Questions to ask before investing - The UKTen plain questions for any product, person or platform. General information for UK readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- How to check an investment licence - The UKLook up the person or firm yourself, in two minutes. General information for UK readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Common investing traps - The UKThe patterns behind most losses and scams, and how to spot them. General information for UK readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
India
- How index funds and ETFs work - IndiaWhat a fund holds, how it is priced and what you pay. General information for Indian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Savings, FDs and bonds explained - IndiaHow each one works, what can go wrong and what covers your deposit. General information for Indian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- How people spread their money - IndiaDiversification, time and emergency money - the general idea. General information for Indian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Investing fees and tax basics - IndiaThe fees that matter and how returns are usually taxed. General information for Indian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Questions to ask before investing - IndiaTen plain questions for any product, person or platform. General information for Indian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- How to check an investment licence - IndiaLook up the person or firm yourself, in two minutes. General information for Indian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Common investing traps - IndiaThe patterns behind most losses and scams, and how to spot them. General information for Indian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
Australia
- How index funds and ETFs work - AustraliaWhat a fund holds, how it is priced and what you pay. General information for Australian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Savings, term deposits and bonds explained - AustraliaHow each one works, what can go wrong and what covers your deposit. General information for Australian readers, with official links. Not a recommendat
- How people spread their money - AustraliaDiversification, time and emergency money - the general idea. General information for Australian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Investing fees and tax basics - AustraliaThe fees that matter and how returns are usually taxed. General information for Australian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Questions to ask before investing - AustraliaTen plain questions for any product, person or platform. General information for Australian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- How to check an investment licence - AustraliaLook up the person or firm yourself, in two minutes. General information for Australian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation.
- Common investing traps - AustraliaThe patterns behind most losses and scams, and how to spot them. General information for Australian readers, with official links. Not a recommendation
Quick answers
Short worked numbers: lot sizes, charges, loan payments and what small daily returns add up to. All answers
- Lot Size of BANK NIFTY (Oct 2026): 30 Units, ₹30 per PointBANK NIFTY lot size: one lot is 30 units in our Trade Planner (October 2026), so every 1-point move in the index is worth ₹30 per lot.
- Charges on a delivery share trade in India: ₹238.62 on ₹1 lakh (2026 rates) - Trading CheckupBuying ₹1 lakh of delivery shares and selling at ₹1.01 lakh costs about ₹238.62 in charges (rates from 1 April 2026), so the price has to move 0.24% j
- Charges on a futures trade in India: ₹104.04 on ₹1 lakh (2026 rates) - Trading CheckupBuying ₹1 lakh of futures and selling at ₹1.01 lakh costs about ₹104.04 in charges (rates from 1 April 2026), so the price has to move 0.10% just to c
- Charges on an intraday share trade in India: ₹82.73 on ₹1 lakh (2026 rates) - Trading CheckupBuying ₹1 lakh of intraday shares and selling at ₹1.01 lakh costs about ₹82.73 in charges (rates from 1 April 2026), so the price has to move 0.08% ju
- Charges on an options trade in India: ₹285.02 on ₹1 lakh (2026 rates) - Trading CheckupBuying ₹1 lakh of options and selling at ₹1.01 lakh costs about ₹285.02 in charges (rates from 1 April 2026), so the price has to move 0.29% just to c
- EMI on ₹20.00 lakh at 8.5% for 20 years: ₹17,356 a month (India) - Trading CheckupA ₹20.00 lakh home loan at 8.5% a year over 20 years costs ₹17,356 a month. Over the whole loan you repay ₹41,65,552, of which ₹21,65,552 is interest.
- Repayment on £200,000 at 4.5% for 25 years: £1,112 a month (UK) - Trading CheckupA £200,000 mortgage at 4.5% a year over 25 years costs £1,112 a month. Over the whole loan you repay £333,499, of which £133,499 is interest.
- Repayment on £250,000 at 4.5% for 25 years: £1,390 a month (UK) - Trading CheckupA £250,000 mortgage at 4.5% a year over 25 years costs £1,390 a month. Over the whole loan you repay £416,874, of which £166,874 is interest.
- EMI on ₹30.00 lakh at 8.5% for 20 years: ₹26,035 a month (India) - Trading CheckupA ₹30.00 lakh home loan at 8.5% a year over 20 years costs ₹26,035 a month. Over the whole loan you repay ₹62,48,327, of which ₹32,48,327 is interest.
- Repayment on US$300,000 at 6.5% for 30 years: US$1,896 a month (US) - Trading CheckupA US$300,000 mortgage at 6.5% a year over 30 years costs US$1,896 a month. Over the whole loan you repay US$682,633, of which US$382,633 is interest.
- Repayment on US$400,000 at 6.5% for 30 years: US$2,528 a month (US) - Trading CheckupA US$400,000 mortgage at 6.5% a year over 30 years costs US$2,528 a month. Over the whole loan you repay US$910,178, of which US$510,178 is interest.
- EMI on ₹5.00 lakh at 12% for 5 years: ₹11,122 a month (India) - Trading CheckupA ₹5.00 lakh personal loan at 12% a year over 5 years costs ₹11,122 a month. Over the whole loan you repay ₹6,67,333, of which ₹1,67,333 is interest.
- EMI on ₹50.00 lakh at 8.75% for 25 years: ₹41,107 a month (India) - Trading CheckupA ₹50.00 lakh home loan at 8.75% a year over 25 years costs ₹41,107 a month. Over the whole loan you repay ₹1,23,32,155, of which ₹73,32,155 is intere
- Repayment on A$500,000 at 6% for 30 years: A$2,998 a month (Australia) - Trading CheckupA A$500,000 home loan at 6% a year over 30 years costs A$2,998 a month. Over the whole loan you repay A$1,079,191, of which A$579,191 is interest.
- Repayment on A$600,000 at 6% for 30 years: A$3,597 a month (Australia) - Trading CheckupA A$600,000 home loan at 6% a year over 30 years costs A$3,597 a month. Over the whole loan you repay A$1,295,029, of which A$695,029 is interest.
- EMI on ₹8.00 lakh at 9% for 5 years: ₹16,607 a month (India) - Trading CheckupA ₹8.00 lakh car loan at 9% a year over 5 years costs ₹16,607 a month. Over the whole loan you repay ₹9,96,401, of which ₹1,96,401 is interest.
- Lot Size of FIN NIFTY (Oct 2026): 60 Units, ₹60 per PointOne FIN NIFTY lot is 60 units in our Trade Planner (October 2026), so every 1-point move in the index is worth ₹60 per lot.
- Intraday vs delivery charges: ₹83 vs ₹239 on ₹1 lakh - Trading CheckupOn the same ₹1 lakh trade, intraday costs about ₹82.73 and delivery about ₹238.62: delivery pays more STT (0.1% on both sides) but usually no brokerag
- Lot Size of MIDCAP NIFTY (Oct 2026): 120 Units, ₹120/PointOne MIDCAP NIFTY lot is 120 units in our Trade Planner (October 2026), so every 1-point move in the index is worth ₹120 per lot.
- NIFTY lot size (October 2026): 65 units, ₹65 per point - Trading CheckupNIFTY lot size: one lot is 65 units in our Trade Planner (October 2026), so every 1-point move in the index is worth ₹65 per lot.
- NIFTY options vs futures charges: ₹69 vs ₹963 per lot - Trading CheckupOne NIFTY options lot (₹120 to ₹150) costs about ₹69.33 in charges; one NIFTY futures lot at 25,000 moving 30 points costs about ₹963.40, because futu
- SENSEX lot size (October 2026): 20 units, ₹20 per point - Trading CheckupOne SENSEX lot is 20 units in our Trade Planner (October 2026), so every 1-point move in the index is worth ₹20 per lot.
- “0.5% a day” for a year = 3.5x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“0.5% a day”, kept up for a year (250 trading days), multiplies money 3.5x: ₹10,000 would become ₹34,795 and $1,000 would become $3,479. It doubles ev
- “1% a day” for a year = 12.0x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“1% a day”, kept up for a year (250 trading days), multiplies money 12.0x: ₹10,000 would become ₹1.20 lakh and $1,000 would become $12,032. It doubles
- “10% a month” for a year = 3.1x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“10% a month”, kept up for a year (12 months), multiplies money 3.1x: ₹10,000 would become ₹31,384 and $1,000 would become $3,138. It doubles every 7
- “10% a week” for a year = 142x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“10% a week”, kept up for a year (52 weeks), multiplies money 142x: ₹10,000 would become ₹14.20 lakh and $1,000 would become $142,043. It doubles ever
- “2% a day” for a year = 141x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“2% a day”, kept up for a year (250 trading days), multiplies money 141x: ₹10,000 would become ₹14.13 lakh and $1,000 would become $141,268. It double
- “20% a month” for a year = 8.9x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“20% a month”, kept up for a year (12 months), multiplies money 8.9x: ₹10,000 would become ₹89,161 and $1,000 would become $8,916. It doubles every 4
- “3% a day” for a year = 1,619x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“3% a day”, kept up for a year (250 trading days), multiplies money 1,619x: ₹10,000 would become ₹1.62 crore and $1,000 would become $1,619,221. It do
- “5% a week” for a year = 12.6x your money. Why that promise is a warning sign - Trading Checkup“5% a week”, kept up for a year (52 weeks), multiplies money 12.6x: ₹10,000 would become ₹1.26 lakh and $1,000 would become $12,643. It doubles every