How can a 17 year old start investing in stocks?

Question

What do I need to know? Where do I start? What do I invest in? Where do I go? Can I do it online? What rates should I invest at?

Tell me everything I need to know please 'cuz I'm a begginer. I'm not planning to buy too much since I'm new at this.

Answer 1

The very best way for you to invest would be to find employment at a place with a retirement plan (simple IRA, 401k, etc.) and put away a percentage of your income in that regard.   Since you are only 17, I do not think you can open a brokerage account on your own since you are a minor.  You can get a parent to open a custodial account.  However, many brokers,have account minimums which means investing smallers sums might be difficult.  Another option would be DRIP plans.  DRIPS are stocks which are sold directly by larger companies (no brokers involved.)  You can buy as few as one share at a time and any dividends are re-invested in the company.  You can find out about DRIP plans through the websires of larger companies.

Good luck - it's a rough market out there right now.

Answer 2

Before you risk real money, you should practice your investing first. Try a site like xearn.com.

Also get some good books - Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and Technical Analysis by Edward & Magee are good.