Stock Markets Exposed
Purchasing Stock online? How do I start?
I would like to invest in some stock. How do I purchase directly through the company to avoid any other fees. Is this possible? Or, should I sign up for an online account with an online broker. What should I look for, what are fair commissions/fees? Thanks!! I am NOT looking to buy/sell. I am looking to purchase a few shares of my favorite companies - like Disney, or Kohls Department store, and hold on to them
Public Comments
- The first question you should ask yourself is do you know enough to buy and sell stocks. If you think you do, I don't think that now is a good time to purchase stocks unless you really know the company. If you want to try it go online and look at companies like E-Trade or Charles Schwab. Do not pay for an account and only pay for trades. I would not pay more than $9.99 per trade.
- You can purchase stock directly through some companies. The programs are called DRIPS (dividend reinvestment plans). http://www.fool.com/DRIPPort/WhatAreDRIPs.htm http://www.dripinvestor.com/index.asp Or you can buy shares through discount brokers. Don't go to a broker just based on cost. Charles Schwab & Fidelity Investments are great for new investors. They may cost a little more... but they've got the customer service support you will need! BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!!!!!!!! Learn about investing. Learn about "asset allocation". Take a few months to feel at easy with the terms and concepts. Read some good (basic) investing books. It makes no sense to invest blindly!
- best to have a friend or relative help you out, rather than come to yahoo answers for such a broad question. When I first started out not too long ago I had help from co workers that had been trading for a while. i asked lots of questions and good adivce but I still learned to use my better judgment. I mostly use ING www.sharebuilder.com because its simple and my first account but I also have an account with ameritrade. I wouldn't pay the extra monthly fees for bell and whistles on these sites, to me they are useless. Go for the free accounts and do the reasearch yourself. Then if you have a specific question then come to yahoo answers.
