| You have worked hard to eliminate debt, contributed | | | | investment. |
| to savings, and invested in your retirement plan. Now, | | | | Another increasing popular medium of investing in |
| you feel that you would like a larger return on some | | | | stocks is the online brokerage account. For a |
| of your money. One way that you can increase your | | | | minimum opening balance, often as low as |
| portfolio is by investing in stocks. The stock market | | | | five-hundred dollars, you can open a brokerage |
| offers several options for investing in stocks. You | | | | account that you control. Many of these online |
| can invest locally, nationally or globally. | | | | brokerage accounts have helpful articles to aid you |
| What is a stock? | | | | when investing in stocks. These online sites are often |
| A stock is a share of a company offered for sale to | | | | equipped with much data available for research. One |
| investors. The revenue that the company generates | | | | reason that they are gaining in popularity is that they |
| from these shares fuels expansion and increases | | | | have lower fees compared to brokers. One thing |
| available operating capital. When the company uses | | | | that you lose is the financial advice of a consultant |
| this money to produce more or increase their | | | | broker. |
| services, the company may post a profit. With | | | | How Much Money Will You Need? |
| increased profits, there may be increased values to | | | | If you decide to go with a broker, this will depend on |
| the shares sold to investors. | | | | the brokerage firm. Should you choose the route of |
| How Can You Begin Investing in Stocks? | | | | an online brokerage account, you can often find them |
| You can begin investing in stocks in one of two | | | | as low as five-hundred dollars to start. One popular |
| ways: through a stock broker or through a brokerage | | | | online brokerage option is share-building. You can |
| account. When you use a stock broker, this financial | | | | contribute a certain amount until you have |
| representative can work in several different | | | | accumulated enough money to purchase shares. |
| capacities for you: | | | | Once a single share is completely purchased, you |
| 1.Discretionary - the broker has all say over your | | | | begin to reap the rewards of ownership. The nice |
| money when investing in stocks. He can buy or sell | | | | thing about a share-building program is that the initial |
| shares as needed. You will be contacted for updates | | | | outlay of money is much less. |
| concerning your portfolio. | | | | Research the different options that are available for |
| 2.Execution - in this instance, you will let your broker | | | | you before you begin investing in stocks. Each |
| know when to buy or sell shares that you choose. | | | | investment plan has advantages and disadvantages. |
| The broker offers no advice in this instance and | | | | Talk with anyone that you know that is involved in |
| simply completes your transactions. | | | | the stock market. Figure out the best option for you |
| 3.Consultant - your broker can offer his expertise in | | | | and your money before you decide on investing in |
| investing in stocks. He can give advice on why a | | | | stocks. |
| stock may or may not be a good choice as your | | | | |