Thinking of taking your financial future in your own hands through day trading stocks? Aside of knowing your dividend from your index, you need patience, courage and some start-up cash to really get started. Plus some sound advice from stocks that have failed.

A good stock comes from a company able to pay reasonable dividends to shareholders. However, as this Fool.com article about five stocks you should avoid right now explains, be cautious of any stock that has an uninterrupted or otherwise unreal consistency without dips or losses.

Despite a stock’s performance, watch out for stocks that don’t show enough accountability to their customers, shareholders and employees. A good example would be stocks that used TARP bailout money and have not yet paid the government back. Capitol One, for example, scrambled to pay back these funds to keep a clean image.

To avoid stocks that are too volatile, refrain from those that are tied too closely to the cycle of business. You want to keep away from stocks that become too vulnerable due to the dips and turns of the market. However, keep in mind no matter how careful you are, the reality of the stock market is that it is unpredictable and risks are involved.