Forex trading is booming. That’s because it’s never been so accessible to so many people.

Currency trading used to be the sole province of central banks and big institutional investors. But the growth of digital and expanding access to broadband and mobile has opened up forex trading to just about anyone with a laptop.

Barring those few jurisdictions where its banned, trading in pairs, indices, CfDs and cryptocurrencies is now widely available to a vast number of people around the globe.

Whether you’ve been interested in forex trading for some time or just started thinking about it, here are five great reasons to give it a go:

Add a new income stream

In an age where the gig economy seems to be taking over; and where software, automation and zero-hours contracts are replacing long-term employment, financial security can feel like a faraway goal. Many people work more than one job or maintain a side hustle to get ahead.

Relying on a job that doesn’t pay enough, or perhaps worse – one that you hate – can leave you feeling trapped and demoralised. One of the best ways to un-shackle from a daily grind is to build a professional life based on multiple income streams.

It’s the old principle of not putting all your eggs in one basket but applied to the modern economy. If adding new forms of income lets you break out of a toxic cycle of under-employment, saving money and getting ahead becomes more realistic.

For many people, forex trading provides that extra income and flexibility to start thinking outside the limited job box, modern employment seems to offer.

Most traders start out using forex to supplement their income. With success and commitment, it can become a full-time endeavour. But even if that isn’t your goal, the opportunity is there to make money. The opportunities that come about from having a diversified income stream are well worth effort.

Starting up costs nothing

When you first start trading, you won’t have to risk any real money. You’ll sign-up with a reputable forex brokerage and create a demo account. Inside the demo, you can practice trading and experiment with different tactics to build your understanding and set the stage for a proper launch later.

You don’t need cash to start, just a decent laptop or smartphone with a reliable internet connection. When you are ready to begin making real trades, the amounts won’t break your bank account. The best forex brokers let you trade with a minimum deposit of between £100 and £200.

Work for yourself

Many traders will tell you that the biggest benefit of becoming a full-time trader is working for yourself. You decide when you work; if you work; when to go on holiday; and so on. Forex trading can provide a lot of personal freedom.

But as any entrepreneur will tell you, being your own boss requires discipline and a strong work ethic. You’ll only find success if you put in the time – both in terms of preparing and educating yourself and in monitoring the markets to find the best trading opportunities and minimise your risk.

Take your office with you

Another benefit of forex trading is that it frees you from the confines of any one particular office. You can trade from the coffee shop, the park, a shared workspace or in your garden. You just need a reliable computer and internet connection. Remote working is a perk many people are taking advantage of, and forex traders are no different.

Forex never sleeps – so set your own hours

Currency trades can happen anytime. Unlike stock markets, forex only closes at the weekend, and even then it’s less than 48 hours since the New Zealand market opens the new trading week while the U.S. market closes it on Friday.

In a 24-hour market, you can set your own trading schedule. If you have a day job, make your forex trades in the evening. If you work in shifts, trade whenever your weekly rota leaves you free.

Trying your hand at forex is just about risk-free. The potential benefits far outweigh the barriers. Why not give it ago?