The time when I only had 97 dollars left in my account changed my understanding of this market.

Five years ago, I invested all my hard-earned 600 dollars into cryptocurrencies. Three days later, my account shrank to less than a hundred. I still remember that feeling—spilling instant noodle soup on my keyboard and having no energy to wipe it off, feeling like I had been brutally knocked down by the market, just staring at the K-line chart in a daze.

That 97 dollars later became my most expensive tuition fee. It taught me a harsh truth: in this market, those who think about getting rich overnight are basically out. The ones who can really make money are the ones who survive long enough.

**I am that typical rookie**

My past self was a perfect example of a cautionary tale. Someone in the group posted a screenshot of "earning 3,000 a day," and some articles boasted that "10x leverage is the real game." I jumped in with full position without even understanding the K-line. As a result, the market gave me a slap.

Now, after more than five years in the industry and doing quite a few market analyses, I can say frankly: playing with small capital is not about quick doubling, but about surviving long enough. 90% of accounts that die within a year or two are lost to greed.

**How to survive a bit longer**

Here are some bottom lines I’ve figured out.

First is "take profits when you see gains." I set a strict rule for myself: when a single trade gains 20%, sell half immediately. It sounds like I’m earning less, but this is the way for small investors to operate. Lock in the profits first; the remaining position can withstand retracements without hurting your core capital.

The logic is simple—like picking fruit—only what you pick first is truly yours. If you keep staring at the biggest one, you end up with nothing. Data shows that when total gains reach 30% of the principal, withdrawing the initial investment is a key move for long-term survival.

Second, be "serious" about risk. This doesn’t mean obsessing over every trade, but having a firm attitude towards risk. I used to wake up at 2 a.m. to check my holdings—not to chase quick profits, but to ensure every trade was calculated. Many people lose money because they trade on feelings or buy coins based on news—no different from gambling.

The last point is about stop-loss. Many people are tired of hearing this, but there’s no way around it—stop-loss is like insurance. It may seem like a waste of money, but it can save your life at critical moments. Set your stop-loss points and stick to them; don’t rely on luck.

**Why small capital is more likely to die**

Ultimately, small capital cannot withstand market shocks. Large investors have funds reserved for bottom-fishing, but retail investors don’t. So it’s better to earn a little less than to lose the principal.

The most important lesson 97 dollars taught me is: this market is not short of opportunities to make money; what’s lacking is people who can survive long enough. Anyone who manages to stay here for five years has done so through restraint and discipline. Flashy trading techniques are less important than a simple rule of survival.