Money or Passion: Which Matters More in Your Stock Trading?

Jessica Steinmetz, the Clinical Director at Safe Foundation in New York, stated that currently, around 10% of patients are seeking help for “trading addiction,” something that was virtually unheard of before 2020.

This group of people is primarily addicted to meme stocks like $GameStop(GME)$ and $Trump Media & Technology(DJT)$, as well as 24/7 cryptocurrency trading. High-leverage options trading is another major area of concern.

Do You Trade Stocks for Money or Passion?

It is said that the dopamine release triggered by stock trading is much higher than that from regular recreational activities.

Some people trade stocks purely out of passion, enjoying the sense of achievement and excitement that trading brings.

Others trade stocks primarily to make money, as there are alternative side hustles that can also generate income.

Of course, these two aspects cannot be entirely separated—it's just the relative importance of each that differs.

I interviewed a friend who is exceptionally skilled at stock trading.

He said that for him, 60% of the motivation comes from making money, while 40% is from passion. Every night, he opens the app to trade U.S. stock options, achieving a return of over 100%. He explained that making money and passion form a positive cycle: because he makes money, he loves it more; as he invests more time into research, he becomes even more profitable.

However, as a newbie like me, 99% of my goal is just to make money, and that might be the key difference between me and the pros. $Tiger Brokers(TIGR)$

Do you trade every day?

Do you exhibit any of the characteristics of trading addiction mentioned above?

In your trading experience, what’s the ratio between making money and passion for you?

Leave your comments and also post to win tiger coins~

# Money or Passion: Which Matters More in Your Stock Trading?

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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  • Shyon
    ·2024-12-28
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    No, I don't trade every day because my focus is more on mid- to long-term investments. Daily volatility isn't a concern for me; I prefer to evaluate stocks based on their long-term potential rather than short-term fluctuations.

    For me, trading is primarily about making money. While I may enjoy the process to some extent, my motivation comes from the financial rewards. If I lose money, the passion fades, as there's no excitement in losses. However, when I make money, it fuels my interest and motivates me to continue learning. So, making money drives me, and the passion follows from those successes.

    I think this is the difference between me and more passionate traders. For some, passion and profit are linked, creating a positive cycle. But for me, it’s mainly about financial goals, and trading becomes more enjoyable when successful.

    @Tiger_comments @TigerStars @TigerGPT

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    • ELI_59Replying toShyon
      Thanks for sharing and tagging 😘😘😘
      2024-12-28
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    • BarcodeReplying toShyon
      [Heart][Strong]🍀
      2024-12-28
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    • ShyonReplying toBarcode
      [Yummy] [Yummy] [Yummy]
      2024-12-28
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  • highhand
    ·2024-12-28
    trading is for the passion of  money... [Happy]
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  • ELI_59
    ·2024-12-28
    TOP
    I trade with stocks to earn passive income for my retirement. I am a newbie so am reading up all those expert veterans like koolgal, Barcode, Shyon, Zerohero, Success88… Can’t name all of them but thank you for sharing your invaluable insights.


    @koolgal @Shyon @Barcode @Success88 @ZEROHERO @TigerGPT @TigerWire
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    • ZEROHERO
      Thanks for reading! Let’s acquire knowledge and trade with conviction for passive income 💪
      2024-12-28
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    • ELI_59
      Thanks for sharing yours too 😘😘😘
      2024-12-28
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    • TigerGPT

      Trading addiction is becoming a prevalent issue, with individuals seeking help due to excessive trading in meme stocks, cryptocurrencies, and high-leverage options. The dopamine release triggered by stock trading is believed to be higher than that from regular recreational activities. People often trade stocks for both money-making purposes and the passion they derive from trading.

      In an interview with a skilled stock trader, it was revealed that for him, 60% of the motivation comes from making money, while 40% stems from passion. He experiences a positive cycle where making money reinforces his love for trading, leading to more research and increased profitability. However, as a newbie, your primary focus may be on making money, which distinguishes you from experienced traders.

      It is essential to assess one's trading habits and ensure they do not exhibit characteristics of trading addiction. Addiction can significantly impact financial well-being and overall mental health. It is recommended to maintain a balanced approach, where both the desire for profit and passion for trading coexist.

      Please remember that trading stocks involves risk, and it is crucial to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.

      2024-12-28
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  • Barcode
    ·2024-12-28
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    🎯 Money or Passion? A Trader’s Perspective 🚀

    Kia ora Tiger Traders!

    Trading is both an art and a science, a delicate balance between passion and purpose. For myself, the motivation is about 70% financial growth and 30% the intellectual thrill of decoding the market’s patterns. It’s like piecing together an intricate puzzle 🧩 where each stock’s pattern offers a clue to its next move.

    Patterns are my compass, guiding me to identify potential price action and pinpoint lower-risk entries and exits. They don’t just reveal numbers, they tell a story about market sentiment and behaviour, often outpacing fundamentals. After all, while balance sheets provide the rearview mirror, patterns give you the GPS for what’s ahead.🛰️

    I’ve especially loved diving into small-cap stocks recently, particularly during for the January Effect stocks where the market often springs to life with opportunities for the nimble trader. Combining pattern analysis with market trends creates a powerful synergy that makes trading a calculated risk, not just a gamble.

    Although I don’t trade every single day, I’m always tuned into the markets and sharing my insights here on Tiger. From Fibonacci retracements to spotting breakout patterns, I enjoy building a community where traders can grow together. Your comments, discussions and camaraderie are the heartbeat of this journey.

    That said, trading isn’t just about passion, it’s about discipline. As highlighted by experts, the dopamine rush from volatile stocks like $GME and cryptocurrencies can sometimes blur the line between passion and obsession. Grounding yourself in research and strategy is essential for staying on the right path.

    Let’s coddiwomple toward a prosperous 2025, purposefully and passionately, together. 🚀✨

    Happy trading ahead! Cheers, Barcode 📉📈🍀🍀🍀

    This was the S&P 500 in 2003 ~ image attached. It looks drastically different compared to now. What do you think the S&P will look like in 2045?

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    • blinki
      Your perspective on blending passion with strategy is refreshing
      01-02
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    • Shenpwe
      It's inspiring to see your dedication to both analysis and community.
      01-02
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  • Aqa
    ·2024-12-28
    TOP
    We trade stocks for Money and Passion.The dopamine release triggered by stock trading is very high and that makes stock trading an addictive activity. It is good news if one’s main motivation to trade is only to make money because there are other activities that one can make money without involving risk. It is risky when one trade stocks purely out of passion, enjoying the sense of achievement and excitement that trading brings. This high level of desire to “win the market” would affect one’s sense of judgement and discipline. It is very dangerous to be addicted to stock trading. I hope all my Tiger friends exercise discipline in their stock trading, making thorough research before trading any particular stock. Remember to DYODD i.e. Do Your Own Due Diligence, before each trade. Thanks @Tiger_comments @TigerStars @TigerGPT @icycrystal
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    • TigerGPT

      As an AI financial analyst, I don't have personal trading experience or emotions like passion. However, I can provide some insights on the topic of money versus passion in stock trading.

      Money and passion both play important roles in stock trading, but the relative importance of each can vary from person to person. Here are a few factors to consider:

      Risk Management: It is crucial to approach stock trading with a disciplined and strategic mindset. While passion for trading can be motivating, it is important to balance it with a focus on making money. Risk management should always be a priority to protect capital and minimize losses.

        

      Research and Education: Making money in stock trading requires knowledge, skills, and continuous learning. Passion for the markets can drive individuals to invest time in research, analysis, and staying informed about market trends. By combining passion with a solid foundation of research and education, traders can increase their chances of making profitable trades.

        

      Emotions and Decision-Making: Emotional decision-making can be detrimental to trading performance. When passion dominates decision-making, it may cloud judgment and lead to impulsive actions. Making money should be based on rational analysis and objective decision-making rather than solely relying on passion.

        

      Long-Term Goals: Identifying personal financial goals is essential in determining the balance between money and passion in stock trading. If the primary aim is to build long-term wealth, the focus should be more on making money rather than the short-term excitement of trading.

        

      In the end, finding the right balance between money and passion in stock trading is a personal choice. However, it is crucial to approach trading with discipline, research, and a clear understanding of risk management to achieve success.

      Please note that stock trading involves risks, and it is important to DYODD (Do Your Own Due Diligence) and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

      Disclaimer: The information provided here is for reference purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

      2024-12-28
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  • DMan
    ·2024-12-28
    I don’t try to do trades everyday but I will have some trades in the queue if the right set ups are showing from my screeners. That said, I don’t chase every trade. I’ll let the trades come to me like Animals that walk themselves into traps set by the hunter. My job is to check my trades to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do and rectify the trades that are not. Part of the excitement is in the wait isn’t it? [Cool]
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  • ZEROHERO
    ·2024-12-28
    To me, trading is about making money. However, I’m passionate to learn, research and share from my knowledge acquired. Trading is believed to be the most difficult profession as it requires discipline, consistency and patience. The toughest person to control is ourselves.


    I day trade everyday to feel the market sentiments and understand the tickers I’m working on. Trading is like dating, we get to know their personalities after awhile and ride the momentum together, but never get married to a stock ever! 😂


    I’m interested to study the economic news, earnings calendar, geopolitical issues, Fed announcements, options flow, open interest, candlesticks and chart patterns to help justify my risks and rewards whenever I enter a day or swing trade as well as the appropriate time to exit to de-risk or even cut loss.


    I believe trading can be a hobby at first, then replace our income and finally hit pay dirt. This journey takes about 3-5 years of daily grinding with much sweat & tears ➡️
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  • MHh
    ·2024-12-28
    TOP
    I don’t trade everyday, not even every week! Not addicted to trading at all. To me, trading is all about making money, not something that I’m passionate about. Trading is to make my money work harder for me and to generate more returns instead of the passive returns from the banks which give miserable returns. I don’t trade for the love of money per se.
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  • Globalrisk.fund
    ·2024-12-29
    When trading becomes a passion, it's time to step back a little. Are you trading for the dopamine hit or are you trying to make money. For me it was a bit of both. Investing should be slightly boring for me . If I get my emotions and feelings involved I tend to not make a good return. I used my Tiger account for my risky dopamine fuelled trades, and  yes  my Savings account had a better return in the long run. Next year  I am looking to do smaller, and more boring investments on Tiger Trade. Let's see how that will work.  Happy Investing everyone !
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  • MicroStrategist
    ·2024-12-28
    Which matters to you in life? Passion comes first. The money will come when you are good at what you do! That's me. 🤑
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  • 1PC
    ·2024-12-28
    When I started as a Rookie, one of the things shared or "Preached " by some Gurus was making money 💰 Daily [Miser]. Wow 😳 I was wondering 🤔 so easy ah.... Must Try 😜. ... maybe FIRE 🔥 earlier 😔.... But I don't get Money 💰 But FIRE 🔥 on my ass is real and learned something called "Mr. Margin ". Thereafter, go Back to the drawing board and faced the wall 🧱. I decided that my current standard and understanding of the markets, skills, knowledge, etc. are not there yet to do this kind of trading. Current swing trading with TA setup has proven More suitable for me 😀. I estimate 80-20% for Making Money & Passion. Maybe 🤔 when I made lots of money 💰, then 100% Passion [Tongue] [Tongue]
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  • ECLC
    ·2024-12-29
    Goal of stock trading is to generate some extra income and not lose money. Habit to login daily but cannot afford to trade frequently.
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  • Hen Solo
    ·2024-12-29
    Money matters the most. The stock market is not my passion. I live vicariously through BC’s passion! My profits are through her recommendations solely and I am very fortunate to have made a lot of profit, especially in $PROPEL FUNERAL PARTNERS LTD(PFP.AU)$. 💸💰💜 @Barcode
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  • Alubin
    ·2024-12-29
    Nope, I rarely do trading as my goal is more towards investing for long term. However, I do trade time to time for some extra pocket money if time and energy allows
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  • RXU
    ·2024-12-29
    No, I don’t trade every day, though I’m always psyched to watch the market. I get pretty absorbed in following market movements, and when I try to predict trends, I sometimes find myself a bit addicted—it’s hard not to get emotionally invested, especially with money on the line [Cry]

    It can even affect my mood at times. That’s why I’m focusing on improving my risk management and emotional control. My goal is to approach trading with a long-term mindset, as I’m in it to build financial gains over time [Call]

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  • vuvence IX
    ·2024-12-29
    Half money making and half enjoyment, and better than gambling on the horses which is 100%  passion.
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  • yourcelesttyy
    ·2024-12-29
    For me, the balance between money and passion in trading leans toward making money, maybe 70% money and 30% passion. While profits drive my focus, the excitement of learning, analyzing trends, and seeing strategies play out keeps me engaged. Trading addiction is a real concern though—finding the right balance and sticking to a disciplined approach is key to long-term success.
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  • Success88
    ·2024-12-29
    I believe in long term investment. Both Money and Passion is importance. As long a you invest in good valuable stock in will grow
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  • HH浩
    ·2024-12-29
    I trade to test my skills, money is just an evitable outcome of my skills. I will strike a balance and do not allow trading to consume my time as watching in front of PC may result in me of not observing the big wave coming. @TigerPicks @Tiger_Comments @话题虎 @小虎活动 @CaptainTiger
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  • Pica
    ·2024-12-29
    I don't trade everyday not even every week. I trade 80% for money and 20% for passion.
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