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"I could have purchased say 400 AKAM, let it go from $30 to $32 and cash out with a safety net of $800 (or maybe cash out 300 of the shares for a $600 gain, then let the other 100 run with a newer, looser, stop/loss under my intital buy in.

What I'm getting at Joe is how did you learn money managment?"

Rather than a matter of money management, it's a simple matter of mathematics. Taking your above example, if indications are that a one day uppy is more of a certainty (like heading into the day's close at or near ID high), than one of two, three, or four days duration, then I am more likely go long with a larger purchase... and if the numbers do go in my favor and I reach my target, get out as planned at the best possible time the next day.

It's not that different from dating. If your goal is to bring the desired results in one date, you pour on the charm, go for champagne instead of beer, filet mignon instead of hotdogs, and a limo ride instead of the go-cart at the amusement park. If that means you don't have enough left for a second date, what the hell, you cashed in on the first: the classic hit and run. If on the other hand, your aim is a long term (or at least longer) relationship, your gestures (and spending) would be tamer as well as more gradual in leading to whatever your ultimate goals are. A daytrader or short term trader is like a bachelor or laundry detergent: he works fast and leaves no ring.

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