A lot of people come from a heavy partying background.  The role model I had was a drunk.  Seen it and drugs destroy so many people.  Congrats on giving up smoking.  Hard one to kick.  I'm only a 64 year old grandfather so far. Got a late start getting married at 28. Still married.  Never considered divorce, murder once or twice.  Congrats on your plan to make money in stocks. I think most just like the emotional thrill of someone in a chat room agreeing with them and get locked into a stock forever.  Nice to hear about someone looking to succeed.  My best to you,  Jim