Monday, November 14, 2011

Investing Strategies For Beginners And Beyond

By Harold Glisson


In today's economy, many people are searching for methods in which to invest their money and have it working for them, instead of them working for money. Home based business and corporate downsizing seem to be the norm, and many people are starting to realize that government and company pensions might not be there in the future. Fortunately, there are a few other methods to ensure that you retire in comfort. Investing for beginners doesn't have to be complicated.

Real estate investing is an option, but it does require a big outlay of capital for a down payment (often 10% of the purchase price or more) and it is an expensive investing option. Dealing with tenants can be difficult if you need to evict them; you may find yourself getting called every day with reports of broken furnaces, air conditioning, plumbing, etc. Refurbishing and flipping a property can quickly get you over your budget and give you very little return on your money.

A better investment is stocks and options, as they don't need a big outlay of capital and can offer quite a lucrative and stable return if you choose them well. You can choose the stocks yourself, or you can hire a stockbroker to make informed choices for you. If you hire someone, keep in mind that they will likely charge a fee, and that fee will come out of your pocket.

You will save money if you invest in stocks that you choose yourself. If it seems a little intimidating, don't worry. With some knowledge and education, it doesn't have to be. Anyone can learn to invest in stocks and become successful at it.

If your investing knowledge is limited, it's best to buy some books for beginners, written by successful investors. There are many how-to books on the subject by some of the world's best investors, such as Derek Foster, Warren Buffet and Peter Lynch. Their books include strategies and tips on how to make smart investing decisions. They are also easy to read and understand.

Do some online research on your own to check out some companies you may be interested in. Learn all you can about what they do, their earnings, their customers, etc. If you can't find the information on their website, contact them and ask them directly.

Once you have some companies in mind to invest in, you can paper trade or use 'fake' money. This simply means that you are going to keep track of the stock without using any real funds. You can do this on paper, but it is better to open a trial account online to keep track of them. There is absolutely no risk, as you aren't using your own money. You will get a better idea of how the stock market works and you will gain some tips and knowledge on how to choose your stocks wisely.

Once you have learned what companies to invest in, how to trade and how to make money, you can use your own capital to invest for real. If you are still nervous, then just start with a small amount of funds until you gain more confidence and are comfortable with the methods. You will soon find yourself with a diverse portfolio and you will be able to sleep at night knowing your money is working for you. Investing for beginners can be very easy.




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