How to Invest in Stocks, Mutual Funds & ETFs for Beginners

Are you ready to take charge of your own investment accounts. Make informed decisions about how to manage your money and let it work for you. Know what questions to ask and learn basic research skills to understand the companies in which you are considering investing.

Feel more confident choosing stocks, mutual funds and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). Understand bulls, bears and corrections and why a correction can be a great time to buy. Protect your investments with diversification, by wisely selecting your own investments or by buying diversified funds.

Know which stocks pay a dividend and the importance of dividend dates, including declaration, ex-dividend and payment dates. Decide whether you will take your dividends in cash or use them to re-invest in shares of the company that pays them. Use your knowledge to decide not only what to buy, but when to buy.

Read a stock chart, look at trends, and decide whether lump sum investing or dollar cost averaging is right for you. Enjoy several case studies with examples of investors who are making the kinds of decisions you will be making. See the relationships between investment companies, fund managers and brokerage services.