When deciding to buy shares of a company’s stock, you must first decide on choosing an individual to make the purchase for you. This individual is known as a stock broker.  Stock brokers are licensed professionals who can give you advice and help you with stock purchase.  The down side to a stock broker is it costs you every purchase.  Each stock broker charges a commission for the purchase or sale of a stock.  However, generally the advice is free.  The cost comes when you act on the advice.

Another method to use after you have decided to buy shares of a company’s stock is to purchase online using a discount stock service such as Etrade or Scottrade.  These companies will charge a small minimal fee but do not offer any advice.  You are basically on your own to research companies and determine what action you want to take.

The decision as to which way to go is up to you.  If you do not feel comfortable branching out on your own to determine  which companies to research and when to buy and when to sell, then the stock broker is the way you should probably go.

I have used both a stock broker and branched out on my own.  Both have helped me to make successful investments.  I am still currently hiring a stock broker which is also a good friend to me.  I have picked up some good tips from him.  Recently I sold a stock that I had held for 6 months and made 120% on the holding.

The purpose of this site is to provide information on what stock trading is and how to research companies and the analysts who are following them.  Perhaps enough information will be provided that you will be able to use an online trader to help you feel comfortable branching out on your own.

Even if you do not branch out on your own and hire a stock broker to buy shares of stock, you will still have enough information to do some of your own research on what is told to you.  You will then be able to determine if the advice is worthwhile.  You should never blindly accept what a stock broker tells you.  Research his or her advice on your own.  You will then feel you have some control over your money.

I know a guy who basically turned $50,000.00 over to his broker as his “play money”.  The broker had no accountability over what happened to the money.  He was not doing well with the account.  I would never advise this.

I would always recommend that you do some research on what is told to you.

All of the content published on this website is to be used for informational purposes only and without warranty of any kind.  The materials and information in this website are not, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any of the securities named in these materials.  Trading of securities may not be suitable for all users of this information.