New To Investing (how should i learn?)

[lawsman92]

Hey guys, so ive been really interested in learning about stock investing. It seems pretty complicated with all the different charts, data and methods. I just ordered the "complete idiots guide to stock investing" and hopefully that will help. What else can I do to effectively and efficiently learn about the market and methods involved? I looked up that wall street surviver website but it doesnt work on my laptop for some reason. Thanks

[humandraydel]

Hey guys, so ive been really interested in learning about stock investing. It seems pretty complicated with all the different charts, data and methods. I just ordered the "complete idiots guide to stock investing" and hopefully that will help. What else can I do to effectively and efficiently learn about the market and methods involved? I looked up that wall street surviver website but it doesnt work on my laptop for some reason. Thanks

Two things:

1. Buy (a diversified portfolio)
2. Hold

[MoneyTips4U]

HumanDraydel summed it up pretty darn well.

Hold a diversified portfolio (large cap and small cap stocks if you want). Note that some of the biggest gains happen over time.

Also, look into mutual funds for investment. They are fantastic.

While some say that stocks can be volatile, this is true (at least for the short term). If you hold a diversified portfolio, stocks have an average 10%-%15 return. Focus on long-term investment, and you should be fine.

[shaggy]

I learned a lot about investing from Eric Tyson's "Investing for Dummies."

My current investing strategy:

1. keep a sufficient cash emergency fund
2. when it comes to stocks, buy only index mutual funds
3. don't be afraid to buy international indexes
4. buy short term bonds
5. as you get closer to retirement, move no more than 50% of your investments into cash.
6. don't try to time the market.

[snafu]

'Idiots guide...' gives a good base to build on. If you participate in a Retirement Program offered by your employer, check out what you are already holding. I suggest starting slowly with 'baby steps' to reduce the risk until you feel confident with your research into selected stocks. Many of us started with a low cost, low fee Index or Dividend Mutual Fund [MF]. Vanguard is one example. The fees and MER [Management Expense Ratio] are critical factors in any MF you chose. The point is to create profit for You - not the salesman selling all those financial products. Try Google-ing Bogleheads for discussion that may be of interest.

As a starter I like Dollar Cost Averaging [DCA] since you sign up with the minimum requirement and set up an automatic purchase plan of a specific amount each month. With Net Asset Value [NAV] fluctuating day-by-day you may be buying more units or less units with each purchase but you are participating and you are automatically savings. When you feel confident and knowledgeable, you can sell some/all of your MF and buy individual stocks, Bonds, ETF, REITS or whatever you feel is most appropriate.

I hope you'll make a start

[jlautner]

I would recommend reading articles, quotes, and information that you can find online related to some of the best investors out there. Look up to people like Philip Fisher, Benjamin Graham. Or presently, John Paulson, Carl Icahn, Bill Ackman, just to name a few. I hope this helps!

[smk]

I would look at some of the books by Larry Swedroe. You can probably find the depth that you feel comfortable with and grow from there. Don't stop learning over time.

I don't think Larry has anything on matching assets to your need for funds in the future, so you could check out my free ebook on the subject or some of the other recommendations. Just follow the link to my signature at the bottom...