investing in stocks?

Question

i've just moved from another country to the usa and was wondering about the rules of investing. is there a minimum amount when i purchase stocks? which online stock trading company offers the best value? any other tips that u would like to share? thanks for all the help, really appreciate it.

Answer 1

Go with Scottrade.

Scottrade has a $500 minimum balance (the lowest of all major online trading sites), and trades are just $7. Again $7. That's the cheapest you will find anywhere.

There are no maintenance fees, no inactivity fees and no hidden commisions. If they are going to charge you for something, they will tell you before you have to make a decision!

Also their interface is brilliant and easy to use. The charts, stock screens, and all the tools of the quotes and research section are pretty intuitive and again, easy-to-use. see for yourself...


I do not work for them, and could care less to help promote them. I'm just a satisfied customer trying to spread the love.

Answer 2

My employee 401k plan is through Fidelity. I can invest up to 50% of my money into stocks for $9.95 per trade. The other 50% can go to mutual bonds or other investments. The good part is that I pay no taxes on the money until retirement.

Check out direct investment. Some companies will let you buy their stock and you pay no fees. This takes a fair amount of research.

Also, look into joining a Credit Union. In some ways they are like retail banks, but they often also have interesting investment plans. Until recently, belonging to a Credit Union was usually a company benefit, but they are becoming more open.

Answer 3

Unless you know exactly what you want from a broker, you should go with the one that you find most helpful. Look them up (Ameritrade, Fidelity, Schwab, Scottrade, Vanguard, etc.) and call them. If they can't hold your hand now - think how they will treat you when you really need them.