Beginning Investor: How to Start
by Charles Rotblut, CFA
If you are brand new to investing, the question you are probably asking yourself is: “What should I do first?”
It is not an easy question to answer for someone who is just starting to manage their portfolio. There are many options available, with just subtle differences between some choices. More importantly, you do not want your first investment to be a losing one.
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So, how do you start?
In this new column, I plan to answer that question. I will explain primary investment concepts and give you basic steps that you can take to manage your portfolio. More importantly, I will give you the knowledge to become a successful investor.
It does not matter if you are a brand new investor starting with a very small portfolio or someone who is taking over their investments for the very first time, the steps are essentially the same. So, let’s start taking that first step.
To read more, please become an AAII Registered User or CLICK HERE.
Discussion
Good advice for anyone, especially someone who is just starting. I have been retired 20 years with someone else, broker or financial adviser, controlling my buys and sells. I am trying to learn enough to make my own decisions.
posted over 2 years ago by Edmund from Florida
I have a fairly substantial stock and mutual
fund portfolio. However, a portion of this is
a faulty group of stocks recommended by a
number of internet experts? I would hope to learn AAII system foe evaluating primarily
avaailable stocks. Thank you.
posted over 2 years ago by Bob from Minnesota
Re: E MAIL
Much prefer my incoming
e-mail to be shown in order it is received
rather than alphabetically.
Elmo Curry
posted over 2 years ago by Elmo from Texas
I HAVE A MODEST PORTFOLIO AND WOULD LIKE TO LEARN TO EVALUATE EQUITIES.
posted over 2 years ago by RAY from Illinois
I have a modest portfolia of stocks and mutual funds with a broker/finanical advisor dating back 15 years. I would like to become more involved in my investment selections and evaluations.
posted over 2 years ago by Nathan from North Carolina
I am a 30+ year passive investor and wish to remain one. I am interested in expanding my portfolio to include ETFs and micro-caps. Your ETF portfolio is well suited to my investment style. Do you have anything similiar for your Shadow Stock Portfolio?
Thank you
posted over 2 years ago by John from Maryland
Although I have a Investment Advisor, my penchant for stock investmenting has always rested with me. Years ago I read various periodicals and books, most recently Prof. Jeremy Segals's "Stocks for the Long Haul."
If there in one piece of advice I would give to someone it would be to read as much as you can about investing from as many sources as you possibly can. Happy Investing!
posted over 2 years ago by Larry from Georgia
I am a relatively beginning investor with about 1/3 of a million to invest. I have about a 20 year time line to work with. I am not yet certain as to if a 20 year time line is really considered "long term" as I am in my early fifties, good health, and plan to work full time until my early to mid seventies, and beyond if my health holds up. I am wondering if my time line would truly be considered "long term" considering my age?
posted over 2 years ago by William from California
I am retired. Looking to invest 10-25K with a view to generate 10-12% income and hopefully protect & improve priciple. Can handle moderate risk.
Use my initials.
AR
posted about 1 year ago by AR from Michigan
I would like to invest to save for a retirement home. I think I have a relatively high risk tolerance with a moderate to low amount to invest.
posted about 1 year ago by Gerrie from Illinois
Does investing have to be passive? I'm retirement age and have been investing in income producing property for years and I beat the S&P 500 or all the Vanguard funds in return every year. The returns on passive investments are pathetic right now...look at the Mutual Fund Portfolio.
posted about 1 year ago by Gregory from Georgia
I need to invest in a mutual fund which can earn income such as a dividend fund. At this time in my life I've lowered my risk tolerance . I need to rebalance my portfolio .
posted about 1 year ago by Diane from Rhode Island
I like the comment to read as much as you can from as many sources. this was my first time on this web site,I like the tone,consise and straight foward.
posted 11 months ago by Faye from Indiana
I'm tired of my advisor saying next year will be different. Since 1997 the stock portion of my portfolio (supposedly moderate growth) has averaged little more than 1%/annum. Advisor does fine with bond portion but as a retiree I hope to at least average the inflation rate with stock portion.
posted 8 months ago by Chris from Illinois
I have been investing "by the seat of my pants" and need to learn fundamental and some technical analysis in order to better achieve my goals.
posted 7 months ago by John Odonnell from Connecticut
