| This article will address how to invest from a | | | | invest in mutual funds is to open an account with |
| practical standpoint. How do you actually invest | | | | a no-load fund family. This way you avoid |
| in stocks the best way, and at the least cost? | | | | tranaction fees, plus you have a wide range of |
| First we discuss how to invest in stocks, and then | | | | services available to you. |
| move on to stock mutual funds. | | | | If you Google "best no-load funds", names like |
| In this article I name discount brokers and no-load | | | | Fidelity, Vanguard, and T. Rowe Price will appear. |
| fund companies (families) that I personally | | | | These three fund companies offer a wide |
| consider to be among the best in their field. | | | | selection of no-load mutual funds, with costs that |
| They are also among the largest and most | | | | are moderate to low. For example, all of the |
| reputable, and offer some of the | | | | Vanguard funds are no-load (no sales charges), |
| lowest commissions, charges and fees in the | | | | and this fund family charges less for yearly |
| business. | | | | expenses than any other I know of. |
| If you want to invest in stocks, including ETF's, | | | | Visit the above web sites. If you are not sure |
| open a brokerage account with a major discount | | | | how to invest, call the toll-free number for help. |
| broker. If you go to google and search "best | | | | Tell them you want to invest in stock funds, and |
| discount brokers", names like TD Ameritrade, | | | | they will help you open an account. You want to |
| E-trade, and Scottrade will appear. Stock trades | | | | open a mutual fund account, not a brokerage |
| can cost as little as $9.99 or $7, whether you buy | | | | account. |
| or sell. | | | | Remember, the service representatives are there |
| Investing through these brokerage firms on your | | | | to help you and do not work for commissions. |
| computer is simple, and trades are executed | | | | They are usually very friendly and helpful, and are |
| accurately and promptly. I've placed hundreds of | | | | used to talking to everyday people who don't |
| orders through one of the above, with no | | | | know the Wall Street language. |
| significant problems. To open an account simply | | | | Now, here's how to invest in stock funds with |
| go to their web site. If you need help, call the | | | | one of the best companies in the business, at the |
| toll-free number. Tell them you need some help | | | | lowest possible cost. Invest in Vanguard stock |
| and want to open a brokerage account. | | | | index funds. Total yearly expenses can be lower |
| You can also invest in stock funds through your | | | | than two-tenths of 1%. |
| discount broker. In my opinion, the best way to | | | | |