However, you should wish to study them and take them with a grain of salt. Once you are a frequent visitor to the stock market, you will be likely adding your own rules to this list. So here they are:

Invest for the future.

This does not mean invest with your retirement in mind but more about investing in companies that will have seats in the future. Dividend stocks are nice but if you are still young and can take some risk you should pick up some growth stocks because there is more room for their price momentum. 

Know your risk tolerance and capacity.

Nobody knows yourself best so go with your guts. If you are risk-averse, do not buy stocks with a high volatility index because you are very likely going to sell low. You should also consider how much risk your situation allows. You shouldn’t risk capitals you cannot afford to lose.

Use the limit and stop loss.

A stock price goes up and down in value very frequently. If you have missed a buy price point and would like to get in at your own determined fair price, then put in a Limit Buy order. For small trade, most people do not care much for it. But when you are buying a significant number of shares, it can make a difference. The Stop Loss function is a great tool to take advantage of if you are playing around with some high-risk stocks and wish to limit your loss. 

Have a plan.

This is important if you are thinking of picking up some dividend stocks because you will be qualified for the dividend payout if you get in on time. Also, if you are thinking of chasing some stocks before their earnings release, you better have a plan. Though that strategy can be very risky, it can be rewarding when you play your call options right. 

Avoid the crowds.

There is always the temptation to join the crowd but it is best to avoid it if possible especially hot IPOs. Let the stock sit and do your own evaluation rather than blindly following others. You should never invest in assets you do not understand because you are likely to lose your investment. 

Study the markets.

You cannot be an ignorant investor if you want to protect your capital. Information is money in the investment world so try to study it as much as you can. You should not discount what is happening in China or the US today because we live in a highly integrated economy. Also, you should not ignore the domestic economy. While corporation decisions influence stock performance, macroeconomic data will play a role too. So, stay informed as much as possible about the market momentum and progression so you can protect your investment.

Being an investor is not an easy task. There are rules and disciplines you should apply to achieve your long term goals. They might appear to be horrendous, but these rules and disciplines will eventually be your second nature in no time.