Help me get started on buying individual stocks..

[Newbie]

I'm interested in buying individual stocks but I'm not sure how to get started. My only experience with the market is the S&P 500 index fund in my 401k

- What's the best cheap brokerage account with no minimum balance to start?
- Can I set up a Roth IRA where i can pick individual stocks?
- What else should I know before I take the plunge?

PS: I'm looking to start out very small with just one or 2 individual stocks...

[Hypersion]

Take a look at Izone or scottrade.

[mud]

Look up zecco it has free trades.

[pennrj430]

Hi, why is it you are looking to get into individual stocks?

You can try the sites listed above, but most people will agree, stock picking takes a lot of time, and homework, and you probably shouldn't put more then about 5% or your portfolio in individual stocks.

My opinion is instead of picking stocks, try diversifing your Mutual Funds. S&P 500 Index is a great place to start, but also look into the Total International Stock Fund Index and so on....

Goood Luck.

[Newbie]

The individual stocks would just be bought with "play" money (maybe $500) just for hobby purposes. I don't have a Roth IRA yet so I was going to get one where I can buy individual stocks and let any earnings grow tax free. The rest of it would be in index funds and cash...

[Fred333]

I would go to your local library and checkout some books. Or even go visit website like etrade to read up on the subject.

[Marketiva]

I'm interested in buying individual stocks but I'm not sure how to get started. My only experience with the market is the S&P 500 index fund in my 401k

- What's the best cheap brokerage account with no minimum balance to start?
- Can I set up a Roth IRA where i can pick individual stocks?
- What else should I know before I take the plunge?

PS: I'm looking to start out very small with just one or 2 individual stocks...

Hello! According to my opinion Hungary can be a very good investing area for you if your are interested in the Stock Exchange. Budapest Stock Exchange has many good stocks which
are available for buyings. My profession is around BUX, so I can help you. At first you have to find the best broker company: KBC Equitas is inside and outside Hungary - It's a discount company I think you'll love it!

[usnavy_233]

FIRST....

Investing Education & Classes: Stocks, Mutual Funds, Bonds & Portfolio Building

Fool.com: Fool's School

Start learning the ropes.

Then....

Zecco.com - Free Stock Trading & Investment Community ( No min, No fees, FREE FREE FREE)

Online Discount Brokers, Online Stock Trading, Stock Investing, Mutual Funds, IRA - Scottrade ( Not free but great price and decent features)

Good luck.

[lucasrd]

The individual stocks would just be bought with "play" money (maybe $500) just for hobby purposes. I don't have a Roth IRA yet so I was going to get one where I can buy individual stocks and let any earnings grow tax free. The rest of it would be in index funds and cash...

If you're only going to use $500...anything other than zecco will kill you with comission fees. Plus, with $500 you'll find it hard to own more than one (possibly two) stocks.

If you only have $500, i'd just paper trade for now until you can afford to "play" with a little more than that.