Twenty or so years ago, the financial markets seemed pretty closed off. Not only did you need significant capital to get involved, but access to information was limited in the first place. Unless you were a professional, a broker, or an institutional investor, you were more or less left in the dark.
But the world has been changing. With the rise of the digital-verse – and the expansion of the financial markets themselves – more and more people have been able to get involved, whether they’re professionals or not.
Today, anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can learn the basics of trading, access important data, and execute trades within minutes – and it doesn't have to be too risky either. In fact, a large portion of investors are trading as a side hustle, using small amounts of capital and low-risk strategies to manage a simple portfolio which can give them extra income.
But how exactly did we get to this point, and if you’re thinking of starting your own side hustle, what’s the best way to do it?
We mentioned before that anyone with a smartphone can learn the basics of trading, and this is true. But perhaps the most intrinsic reason behind the rise of financial literacy is the ability for anyone to learn more than the basics.
Platforms like Exness, for instance, don’t just offer access to the market – they offer tools, resources, and real-time analytics that help users build a deeper, more strategic understanding of how trading really works. Let’s say you’re a business owner looking to enter the forex market. All you would have to do is log into this platform, open a demo account, and start exploring.
Within minutes, you’d have access to a wealth of resources, including forex chart patterns and trading signals such as those that can be seen on the Exness platform, that can not only help you execute trades, but teach you why those trades will work in the first place. In other words, instead of relying on a financial advisor or broker, you’d be developing your own market sense, watching trends and testing strategies to form a trading style that suits you.
Speaking of strategies, these have also opened up. Twenty years ago, a tactic like scalping was pretty much out of reach. For those unaware, this is a short-term trading strategy where traders aim to make multiple small profits throughout the day by capitalising on minor price movements. It requires speed, agility, precision, and, most importantly, constant access to real-time market data.
In 2025, that data is all there at your fingertips, as well as the tech and educational resources that can teach you how to conduct your strategy effectively. Even a scalper tool (see the Exness platform as a prime example) like RSI or MACD can be enough to give you an edge, and this is crucial when it comes to making quick, informed decisions that will place you competitively in the market.
Essentially, the wealth of information, new fintech, software, and educational resources have levelled the playing field and given people the chance to become more financially literate. And people are taking that chance.
If you’re looking to take the chance too, however, there are a few things you’ll need to get right. Of course, the rise of digital platforms and advanced technology has opened the door to newcomers into the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely cut out the risk involved in trading at this level.
It’s important, for instance, to start small and scale smart. Don’t dive in with a large sum right away. Begin by drawing up your budget, investing a manageable amount, and getting comfortable with the platform you’re using. It’s also essential that you choose the right market for your schedule. Some markets – like forex, for instance – are open 24 hours, making them particularly flexible for side hustlers with full-time jobs. But others like the stock market are a little more rigid, only opening for certain hours during the day, typically aligning with traditional business hours in their respective regions.
Speaking of financial literacy, it’s crucial that you get literate. By that we mean, there can be certain time pressures associated with financial markets, and with individuals and companies trading every day, it can be easy to fall into the trap of investing too quickly. Whether it’s the urgency to catch trending stocks or respond instantly to market news, if you don’t have a solid understanding of finance, that kind of speed can swiftly lead to mistakes, some of which might be costly if you haven’t ascertained a sensible budget.
Yes, there are a lot of financial tools available in 2025, but by taking the time to educate yourself, you give yourself the tools to analyse trends thoughtfully, comprehend risk management, and develop patience. Those traits can then be used to make informed decisions that protect your investments while also maximising your chances for success.
In terms of what success looks like, this will similarly come down to the strategies you choose. As we mentioned earlier, one of the most popular at the moment is scalping, which can leave a lot of the hard work to the technology and platforms you use, allowing you to continue with your day job without having to constantly keep an eye on the market.
If you start investing with a small budget, you can test the waters and – since scalping thrives on precision and consistency – refine your approach as time moves on. Other good options for side hustlers include swing trading, HFT, and long-term investment, but again, the one you choose will depend on what you’re looking to get out of the market and the time you can invest in the first place.
Financial literacy is at an all-time high, and you have an opportunity to not only educate yourself, but also to apply what you learn in the real world and start building a healthy portfolio. As we mentioned before, the risks are still there, but so long as you take the time to research and plan, there’s every chance you can navigate them.