I want to get a course in investment but I see that every course out there is given by an investment company

Question

I want to learn to invest but I am looking for a course that is independent of an investment company like eTrade or TD Ameritrade. Because I feel those guys are trying to sell their investment packages rather than give independent information about the different investment options.

Is there a place I can find it?

Answer 1

You learn by doing.

Go to http://updown.com and open a FREE virtual trading account. You can buy and sell stocks listed in the NYSE and NASDAQ markets thru that site with almost real-time prices. You will also find free stock analysis, investment groups by sector, or by investment by method.

Trading the virtual account in updown.com will help you be a better investor as you learn and read investment books and resources referred to you by this forum.

Good luck!

http://jsforex.blogspot.com

Answer 2

I attended a Schwab investment seminar several years ago.   Of course, they would like to have your business.  Yet, I do not think that fact would make me avoid their course.   They are not going to force you to open an account with them.  I would never assume that marketers are planning to steal from the public.  That is not in their best interest.  If you feel that way; then, I would consider buying CDs.  Markets are based on trust.  That is why, as an example, the failure of Bear Stearns was so terrible from the point of view investor confidence.  

Answer 3

There are very few, if any, courses in the academic world that instruct one properly on investing or about the market and its operations

You can always attend those courses given by the major firms but always go into it knowing they are going to try sell you something at the end of the program.  Just take the course, don't sign anything and you may learn something

Here is some reading material that can get you started in the right direction, The first book you should read is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Then try some of these

What Works on Wall Street by James O'Shaunessey

Beating the Street by Peter Lynch

One Up on Wall Street by Peter Lynch

The Warren Buffett Way by Robert Hagstrom

How to Make Money in Stocks” and 24 Essential Lessons for Investment Success both by  William O’Neil

Get into the habit of making daily visits to some websites like MSN Money and Yahoo Finance.  (http://moneycentral.msn.com/home.asp http://finance.yahoo.com/ )

While at MSN following the strategy lab analysts to get a feel for what the pros are doing and why.  This site has some basic information for beginners. If any site offers free information, take it.

Other website that can provide instructions and help with procedures and terminology are

Investopedia - http://www.investopedia.com/  Stock Charts - http://stockcharts.com/

http://www.investorshub.com/  http://www.1source4stocks.com/



Visit some of the more professional websites like Zacks - http://www.zacks.com/

Smart Money - http://www.smartmoney.com/  Schaeffer’s – http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/

Some of these web sites will have advertisers who are worth looking into also.  And remember, if they offer free information, get it.

Just take your time, study and you'll do well with investing.

Answer 4

Although they are trying to sell you something, they do explain how things work.  Just don't jump in and buy anything they recommend.  Any library or book store has books on investing.  But knowing all the textbook information won't always help.  The main thing is whether there is a bull market or bear market.  But all bull markets come to an end and so do bear markets.  In a bull market almost anything you buy will go up.  In a bear market it is just the opposite.

Answer 5

Try taking some courses at a local community college or just start reading as much as you can about investing.

-EJP-

http://www.rmicsi.com