Becoming a Smarter Trader with thinkorswim's Free Education | Getting Started with thinkorswim®

Education

Introduction

Hello everyone and welcome to Schwab Coaching. My name is Cameron May; I’m a senior manager here at Schwab. This is "Getting Started with thinkorswim®". Thinkorswim® is loaded with fabulous trading and investing tools, and it also provides great resources for learning about trading or investing. Today, we’ll explore how you can become smarter as a trader using the free tools available on the thinkorswim® desktop platform.

Before diving in, I’d like to acknowledge all our attendees. Hello NES, Jim E, Eva, Roger, Reza, Life in the Fast Lane, Bob, and everyone else joining us week after week. Welcome to our first-time attendees too. If you’re watching the YouTube archive, enjoy the show! You’re invited to join us live on Mondays at 3 PM Eastern Standard Time. Also, special thanks to Kevin Horner for helping answer questions in the chat.

Kevin and I encourage you to connect with us on X (formerly known as Twitter). Follow Kevin at @KevinHornerCS and myself at @CMAY_C_S, where we regularly share valuable insights. Plus, at the end of this session, we’ll touch on how our X accounts can further enhance your learning journey!

Understanding the Risks

Before diving into education, bear in mind that investing involves risks, including the loss of principal. Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors.

Agenda

Getting Educated with thinkorswim

To start your educational journey, let's delve into thinkorswim and the resources available directly on the platform. Open the thinkorswim desktop software and head over to the "Education" tab. You’ll find it split into two important areas: "Education" and "Learning Center".

Education

The "Education" section is designed for those who want to learn broad investing and trading concepts:

  • Insights and Education: Contains up-to-date commentary-based articles and market outlooks.
  • Learning Paths: Tailored paths consisting of videos, courses, and resources tailored to your specific learning goals, such as portfolio management, stock investing, or technical analysis.

For instance, selecting the "Technical Analysis" learning path guides you through relevant courses and webcast series to build your skills.

Learning Center

The "Learning Center" is for understanding the tools available on thinkorswim:

  • thinkManual: A comprehensive breakdown of every tool available on thinkorswim.
  • Tech Indicators: Introduction to technical tools and charting features.
  • Drawing Tools: Resources about interactive tools for chart customization.
  • thinkScript: Customization and scripting language to build your unique tools.
  • Release Notes: Lists new features and updates implemented on thinkorswim.

Navigating these resources is straightforward and will significantly enhance your proficiency with the platform.

Additional Resources Beyond thinkorswim

Apart from the in-platform resources, Schwab offers additional avenues to deepen your trading and investing knowledge, all free of charge.

Webcasts and Live Events

Visit schwab.com/coaching to view the calendar of our live trading and investing webcasts. These interactive sessions occur every market day and cover various topics and levels of expertise.

Additionally, Schwab hosts live events across the country, which you can register for on the same webpage. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to meet instructors and fellow traders.

YouTube Channel

Most of our webcasts are archived on our YouTube channel, Trader Talks, organized by topic and series. Subscribe to access a wealth of educational content anytime.

Follow Us on X

Stay connected with us on X:

Here, we share market insights, updates, and engage directly with our followers.

Keywords

  • Schwab Coaching
  • thinkorswim®
  • Trading tools
  • Investing
  • Education resources
  • Learning paths
  • Technical analysis
  • thinkManual
  • thinkScript
  • Webcasts
  • YouTube channel
  • X (Twitter)

FAQ

What are the primary educational resources available on thinkorswim®?

thinkorswim® offers two main educational resources: the "Education" tab for learning broad investing and trading concepts and the "Learning Center" for understanding how to use thinkorswim® tools.

How can I access learning paths on thinkorswim®?

Navigate to the "Education" tab, select your topic of interest, then follow the tailored learning paths that include courses and webcasts relevant to your goals.

What can I learn in the "Learning Center" on thinkorswim®?

The "Learning Center" offers detailed guides on using various thinkorswim® tools, including technical indicators, drawing tools, thinkManual for comprehensive tool usage, and thinkScript for scripting custom tools.

Are there options for live webcast sessions and recordings?

Yes, you can attend live webcasts every market day via schwab.com/coaching. Most of these sessions are recorded and available on Schwab’s YouTube channel, Trader Talks.

How often is thinkorswim® updated?

thinkorswim® updates automatically each time you log in, ensuring you have the latest features and improvements.

Can I attend live events hosted by Schwab?

Yes, Schwab hosts live events in various locations. You can register for these events on the Schwab coaching webpage, schwab.com/coaching, but be aware that slots can fill up quickly.

How can I stay connected and get real-time insights from Schwab experts?

Follow us on X: @CMAY_C_S for Cameron May and @KevinHornerCS for Kevin Horner, where we share insights, updates, and engage with our followers.

Thank you for joining today! Apply these resources to become a smarter, more effective trader. Until next time, happy trading!