Does anyone buy stocks online?

[rmorse]

I have some money that is sitting at poor interest that can't even keep up with inflation. Is there anyone here who invests online, and who can give me advice as to which site to go to for a beginner? So far it looks like www.sharebuilder.com may be the best one so far. I need one with low/no minimum....

 

[unknownuza13]

I have heard good things about www.scottrade.com I personally use E-trade.

 

[rmorse]

I have heard good things about www.scottrade.com I personally use E-trade.

Awesome, thanks for the tip. I thought e-trade required a minimum of like, 1G or something?

 

[cassharper]

E-trade requires a minimum or you get a percentage charge. I use scottrade for most bonds/funds and long term options and i use TradeKing for short-term options (lowest commission charge).

What do you want to do? Options aren't a very good idea for beginners unless they are staple stocks (hint: sbux. Even without the insider information it's a good buy). Most all staple stocks are going to be a good buy right now since the economy down and most all stocks will be waning.

Same with no-load mutual funds. This is where I would say a beginner should put their money. The Black Rock funds are a personal favorite of mine. Low minimum, goes through regular cycles, and they are at a low point but about to rise again. Check out BGSAX. $500 minimum investment with and they are way down. It's a promising fund (one of the major stocks in it is apple).

Or you could be daring and go with penny stocks!