Anyone invest in stocks?

[SuperSleeper]

Investments is something I'm really into, and happen to have some $$ sitting around that I feel would be worth putting into stock. But I'd be a first-timer, and am not exactly sure where to start. Does anyone here work with the stock market and have suggestions for me? I'm interested in doing about $300 into long-term, and $300 into short-term. (So small stocks is probably best) Thanks!

[JET]

With small amounts of capital like that, you are going to want to do online trading. Etrade is a pretty good one. That way most of your money goes into actual stocks. I would pick just 2 stocks, cuz it costs $$ for each transaction. Then start doing research to find a good company.

[Kracka]

Uggh, just read our AIM box. Putting only $300 into the stock market is a bad idea, you'll do better in a good savings account after taking fees and transaction costs into consideration. I also wouldn't only pick 2 stocks, you'd be taking on way too much diversifiable risk in addition to the market risk.

[JET]

Yeah, with that small of a bank roll though, you pretty much have to go with one or 2 stocks. You will be a lot more unstable, but that is a risk you pretty much have to take with small amounts of capitol.

[Kracka]

I'd suggest an index fund over individual stocks though. www.sharebuilder.com is a great place for people new to the market to start out too. Most of the bigger firms require at least $1000 or more in your account (some are $500).

[JET]

You can do that. I am not a big fan of most funds though. I guess I like to make my own decisions as to what companies I invest in. You also have to pay the people that manage the mutual fund, which also sucks.

[SuperSleeper]

Well, I deposited $300 into a savings account. I still have $600 in cash I'd like to put towards something... Not sure if I'll put it in there as well yet.

Oh, in case anyone cares... I now drive a 4-door Honda. It was the price I decided to pay in order to pay off my credit card. Just couldn't find the right car for the right price. I'm sure now that I did that, something will spring up tomorrow.

[Kracka]

Index funds are far from being a mutal fund. Mutual funds are actively managed, whereas index funds are passively managed meaning there are no substatial fees to pay. A good index fund is the Vanguard500 which consists of nothing more than the S&P500 companies. FYI, index funds out perform 90% of mutual funds year after year...that top 10% is tough to be in, and no single mutual fund has been able to stay in it for multiple years.

[Jakey]

Um, yeah, isn't this thread the same thing?
http://www.dsmstyle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5673&highlight=investment

[Kracka]

Well, I deposited $300 into a savings account.

Thats a good account earning 2.6% interest too, plus you got $25 for free :)