Study the chart and the fundamentals ... if you can put a realistic price on an equity, even if that price is inaccurate, that's much better than "I think that this stock should rise". When you know what a stock is worth, it's a lot easier to ride out a "bad trade". Plus, this has been a bull market - time heals some mistakes.

If you are trading a couple times a week, that's my area of interest - swing trading! I have had some success closely following one main stock and following up on some alternates. I'm not even in the market right now.

Your focus on just three stocks is smart, but the gains are not realistic. Aim for 1-2%. Plus, some brokers like mine have a three day settlement period for funds.