[aerovistae]

I taught myself by reading a lot of articles online, basically. I start by googling something basic and clicking the first 4-6 results and reading them, opening a lot of extra tabs for things they link to as I go. If anything is unclear, I repeat the process, googling the unclear thing. I take notes as I go.

Slowly a general understanding emerges and then I can flesh it out by seeking specific details once I know what I don't know. And by reading and comparing multiple resources I get a very full and objective understanding.

Investopedia has been the single most helpful site by a wide margin. Their content is top notch.

When I hit on something I can't find the answer to, I ask the customer service at my brokerage (Etrade) and they're very helpful. But if it's a very specific question, I've found I'm best off asking to speak to their customer service team for that specific thing, like their bond desk or futures desk, etc.