How can I get started with buying and trading stocks?

Question

I just want to buy a small number of stocks. I figure since I am on the internet a lot, I can keep up with them if I only have a few. I am a student and have a boyfriend and am a writer so I don't want to get completely consumed in the stock market.

1. How can I get started?
2. How much work will it take?
3. What are some good strategies?

Scheisse...do I really need to spend $500 can't I do something with a budget of about $20 lol

Answer 1

Don't go for it as I lost my small capital of $1000 in trading. It is better for someone who can invest lot of money and have good knowledge.

Answer 2

I strongly recommend Sharebuilder. I have used them for a couple of years and I am really happy with them. It is not that expensive to set up an account, and the commissions are only $4 each. since you are just getting started, I doubt that you will be selling a lot- but still, it's important to note...

Here are some of the biggest advantages of Sharebuilder:

*no minimum reserve
*you can buy fractional shares
*you can deposit or withdraw as little as $1 at no cost, via EFT from your bank

The only disadvantage is that in the entry level account, "real time" trades are $15.95- (which is still not that expensive). If you elect to use the standard account only, you are limited to buying and selling stock only on Tuesdays (which is fine, if you determine that you are a value investor)

1. How to get started? go to www.sharebuilder.com and take their tutorial. At the end, you have the option to sign up for an account. Then you transfer like $50 to get started (or even less if you want).

2. How much work will it take? probably an hour or so to set up the account. After that, just check your stock every so often at someplace like Yahoo! Finance- (which is truly an AMAZING site-- the url is http://finance.yahoo.com. Look for the stock screener! (it's an incredible JAVA applet that helps you to track PE ratios, Market Capitalization and Earnings estimates, etc.)

3. Good strategies? pick a stock that you are familiar with. If you find a company whose product you like, the chances are other people like it too! Evaluate the companies performance over the last year- Don't buy volitile stocks to begin with. Don't over diversify (don't leave all your eggs in one basket either). Pick like 3 -5 stocks that you are sincerely interested in- and somewhat knowledgable about.

Investing is a lot of fun, and you don't have to obsess over it. I usually just check my stocks a couple of times during the day- It's really not any work at all...

Answer 3

Id use Ameritrade or E*trade, its very easy with those sites. How much work it takes depends on how involved you want to be. It doesn't take a lot of work, but the effort (research) you do the better off you will be.

Diversity is a good strategy (dont put all your eggs in one basket), and knowing the sector/company is a must. Don;t invest in an oil company without researching it, the oil industry, and also related infustries (engineering, transportation, etc) to get the big picture. If your pressed with time, stick to a few stocks and work your way up. Unfortunatly, there is no easy or simple way to do it the research, if there was then everyone would be a millionaire.

Answer 4

Before u invest in stocks learn to analyse or understand the financial statements. It is not as hard as it sounds. Get some magazines about the stock market and get the market news. Then start investing. Never ever buy a stock which is not financially sound but everyone is talking about. The brokers will get out of it but u will be caught holding it. Never invest with borrowed funds. Invest only what u can without hindering ur other commitments. Plan your stop loss and get out before u lose more than that amount. All the best.........

Answer 5

I would say that now is not the best time. Have you seen what is going on in the world. The Mid-East is a huge deciding factor.

It wont take much work. You can do it on line or just open the Yellow pages to find a trader. If you want some tips? Send me a reply via email. The market is slumping a bit. Give it a while. Trust me. If you want to start today. Go with Sony. Microsoft or Ge. I have had some luck on the South African stock exchange with Gold. Good luck.

Answer 6

There is no easy way. But managing the volume of information necessary to analyze what stocks to pick is ominous.

If you can get your hands on Investors Business Daily (L.A. pub) and study it well then you will grow. It is the best publication in the US. The Economist (UK pub) is one of the best global magazines on the planet. If you are eager then seek them out.

If you don't want to get consumed then get a broker...which may or may not be a good choice. It is very very hard to have it both ways....making easy money.

After that disclaimer...learn about LEAPS and speculate in the optical networks upgrades. Speculate means be right or lose your shirt or make a fortune -it's going to unfold in the next 2 years.

LEAPS are options that expire in 1 or 2 years vs 1 or 2 months. For every 20% move in the stock the option moves 100%. And you put out less capital to secure a position in the equity. Well established companies have LEAPS like Toyota, Catepillar, Merck etc.

By the way...I used to work for a firm that financed penny stocks. Treat them like a disease unless you are extraordinary in due diligence.

Risk -reward,,,play LEAPS

Answer 7

You're going to typically need around $500 to start an online trading account. You can just have this in your bank or whatever.

1.) Scottrade is good.
2.) Its really easy actually, just get a subscription to Investor's Business Daily, read it, and follow what it says. Its almost never wrong.
3.) See above about IBD.

Answer 8

Hi...

Sharebuilder.com is the one I use...

You can buy stock for $4. a month...

Start small anyway...

Use the monthly plan... (no commission to pay)

Even small investment of 20. per month will help you learn about shares an the market...

Good luck......

Answer 9

First you approach any service provider and have find urself easy to get a demat accnt and trading accnt. u can trade through internet or by calling there office. it take a few hours to start an accnt(it will take 2-3 days to get the accnt) they will clarify ur doubts and give necessary advice abt trading.

Answer 10

Try penny stocks first to get your feet wet then move up