stock

[griff]

Hi guys, I was thinking about putting a little money into the stocks markets and investing with a big company maybe Apple or something. I am new to the stock market any suggestions how i would get started and how i could do this online. Thanks for your help guys!

[disneysteve]

There are several low-cost online brokerages like Scottrade, Ameritrade and others. I'm sure you'll get more suggestions.

What you will also get is a bunch of questions about your overall financial picture and advice regarding whether buying a single stock is a good idea. Honestly, it might not be a great financial move, but I don't have a problem with it as long as you are taking care of other things, participating in your job's retirement plan, have an emergency fund set up, etc.

I also started by buying an individual stock about 20 years ago (Disney - surprise). I now have a 6-figure, well-diversified portfolio. And yes, I still own my Disney stock.

[griff]

Thanks Disney Steve I will look into these companies and do more research before jumping into something. I will definately look over my over my financial picture before buying stock.

[humandraydel]

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX)

[disneysteve]

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX)

Not a stock, of course, but a broadly diversified index fund. Keep in mind, though, that it does have a $3,000 minimum investment, as do most Vanguard funds.

[humandraydel]

Good point Steve. Someone with less than $3k could buy the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) from a discount brokerage. That's actually the route I take because it allows more flexibility.

[Exile]

Hi guys, I was thinking about putting a little money into the stocks markets and investing with a big company maybe Apple or something. I am new to the stock market any suggestions how i would get started and how i could do this online. Thanks for your help guys!

I've read and heard about Share Builders. from whom you can buy just a few share of stock(s) in a given transaction. In fact I've been meaning to link up with them myself. Their website is Welcome to ShareBuilder

[Marketiva]

Hi guys, I was thinking about putting a little money into the stocks markets and investing with a big company maybe Apple or something. I am new to the stock market any suggestions how i would get started and how i could do this online. Thanks for your help guys!

Apple? Are you sure? Google stock can be much better.

[Broken Arrow]

Apple? Are you sure? Google stock can be much better.

Hmm. In general, a stock that is hot doesn't necessarily make it a good buy. I especially wouldn't recommend starting out in the tech sector.

If you want start out with stocks, my personal opinion is to go with large caps, and probably dividend stocks. At least that way, you'll get stability as well as something in return.

[thekid]

I generally don't know how wise it is to start an investment portfollio by picking individual stock. The learning curve is quite high and that's not where to start. Is this "play" money or the foundation to your retirement portfollio? It would be fine if this is simply an "experiment", but for building your portfollio, I would strongly recommend going with an Index fund.

[Broken Arrow]

I generally don't know how wise it is to start an investment portfollio by picking individual stock. The learning curve is quite high and that's not where to start. Is this "play" money or the foundation to your retirement portfollio? It would be fine if this is simply an "experiment", but for building your portfollio, I would strongly recommend going with an Index fund.

I agree that this isn't a good way to start out either.

Although to be fair... it can be done so long as it's done carefully and wisely. Hence my above suggestion.

I also agree that this should also be done with the high risk portion of your portfolio, and not be viewed as the main way to invest. Especially if you're just starting out.