I need help and advise on the following funds *CHG,OHI,ESSEX,NOK,GRT*?

[abumhira]

Would you consider buying the following stocks? What do you think about them. I need some advise PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

CHG --- CH Energy Group Inc.
OHI --Omega Healthcare Investors Inc.
ESSEX--Evergreen Special Equity InsSvc
NOK---NOKIA
GRT--- Real Estate (This one fell frpm $30 Average to $12 a share--is this the best time to buy it???)

[Broken Arrow]

Whatever happened to the good old days when people just wanted to know what the IRS limit is for Roth IRAs?

I'd love to help, but it'll take some time. Like everybody else, I too am just learning.

For now, perhaps the best thing to do is to go to sources that will do much of this research for you. MorningStar, Standard & Poor's, and Value Line are all places worth checking out. All of them require pay subscription, but I have been able to find and access it for free via my local library.

In fact, I currently use MorningStar, whose subscription is paid for by the library, and I can access it just about anywhere with internet access (depending on port filter).

Once you get the hang of it, you can read up and even conduct your own research to all the stocks you want.

Either that, or I recommend shotgunning it via ETFs. Even though I've sort of poo-pooed on them in the past, the truth is, they're not bad at all. Just stick with reputable firms and you should be fine.

I also highly recommend to exercise as much safe, passive investing practices as possible. We are our own greatest risk to our portfolio.

If you still want help, when I get some more time, I'll take a look at it.... If nothing else, I guess it'll be good exercise for me.

[humandraydel]

Well, I mention this in your question about Citigroup, but these are individual companies, not funds. If you don't realize this, you probably shouldn't be buying individual stocks and should buy mutual funds instead.

[Broken Arrow]

I second humandradel's suggestion. There's nothing wrong with not investing in individual stocks. Plus, you don't want to end up losing money like me, do you?

Perhaps more importantly, you haven't mentioned what your investment goal, risk tolerance, and overall strategy is? Nor mentioned the rest of the portfolio.

I think having a good investing framework is more important than what you actually end up buying. It's like driving a car: Having safe driving skills is more important than which road or highway you decide to take.

[Tim, Ohio]

If you are new to stocks, try picking them and following their
progress without even buying. Then you will get a feeling
for whether or not you are on the right track with your
research and methods. Create a fictitious portfolio and
sit back and see what happens.

Have fun without losing your money and reassure yourself
of your abilities.

[Broken Arrow]

I second Tim's suggestion here as well. Simulators are a great way to start out. You can make as many portfolios as you want, testing out as many different strategies as you like.

The only thing I would add is that, because you don't have your own hard-earned money involved, the perceived risk is muted or isn't there. Simulation really is a different experience than when your own money is on the line, and depending on risk tolerance, that could negatively impact your real trading decisions, when it matters most. So, you have to be aware of that and trade as realistically as possible.

Several simulators are out there, and they should be available for free. Good luck!