Trading on the stock market is much more than buying a stock, selling the stock and making an big profit. In fact, that scenario is not a very common one. Trading can be quite lucrative, but you need the proper tools in order to do it, do it well and show a profit. If you enter the market unprepared, you will be someone's lunch, no doubt about it. The smart trader identifies these potential pitfalls early in the game and sets about correcting them before laying down the first dollar. This list will give you the answers to some of the fundamental problems that many new traders (and some old hats too) often make.

Lack of Understanding of the Market

The stock market is not as simple as buying and selling stocks. There is a lot that goes into it and you need to understand the various facets of the market. The first thing that you need to do is educate yourself. Do you want to trade stocks? Forex? Mutual bonds? Do your homework and learn about each type of investment opportunity and see which one works for you and which interests you the most. If you decide to go with day trading, get all the information that you can and learn the stock market backwards and forwards. When you understand the market, its emotions, know a bearish market from a bullish one, and other intricacies, you will be well on your way to smart trading.

Lack of Discipline

When you have an understanding of the stock market it may be tempting to rush in headlong into trading. This, though, can get you into trouble. You may sell too soon or over sell and that will undermine your efforts, leading to losses. You took the time to learn the market, now slow down and discipline yourself to use your knowledge. Be patient and think before you hit that sell button. A lack of discipline can get you into a world of trouble, especially if your risk capital is very limited.

Lack of Research

Research your stocks before you invest. There are several sites that can help you with this. Market Watch is a great resource. Choose some stocks that interest you and do the research on them and the companies behind them. If you research the stocks that interest you, you can find ones that have a better possibility of making you a nice profit.

Lack of Money Management

This is one of the biggest problems that investors face. If you are going to trade on the stock market, you need to use risk capital. Risk capital is money that you can afford to lose. Even when you use risk capital, it is important that you still know how to effectively manage the rest of your money. Pay your bills on time and watch your spending closely. If you become careless with your money, you may find that your risk capital becomes very needed funds. In the event of a loss, you could fall into dire straits.

Lack of Confidence

Many new investors don't have the confidence to aggressively trade in the stock market. This lack of confidence results in losses and missed opportunities. If you have done your homework and educated yourself as well as researched various stocks, there is no reason that you can't trade with confidence. Stop second guessing yourself and get out there and trade.

If you can address these five problems, you will find that you are trading more effectively. You may even begin seeing the profits rolling in.