Although the stock market can be an uncertain place there are tried and tested strategies that can improve your odds of achieving long-term success.

The first thing an investor needs to do is define their financial goals, such as saving for retirement, buying a house or financing your children’s education. This will help them decide how much money to invest and what type of investment is best for their situation.

The importance of establishing an emergency fund or repaying high-interest loans prior to investing heavily in the market is also smart. If you have the funds to invest in the market, start with a small amount and gradually increase your investments as you gain experience.

One of the biggest mistakes newbies make is trying to anticipate the market, Keady says. Keady believes that no one knows when linked here is the best time to invest.

If you’re just beginning your journey it’s a good idea to focus on stocks in firms that you are familiar with. Peter Lynch, the legendary Fidelity Magellan Fund manager, once stated that you have a greater chance of success if you invest in companies with a demonstrated performance and growth prospects.

Avoid forums and advertisements that promote stocks with a high probability of success. In many cases, they are part of a pump-and-dump scheme that involves shady individuals buying buckets of shares in a tiny firm to boost the price, and then sell their shares to fund their own pockets.