How do you enter the stockmarket?

[TripleJ]

What are the starting points to entering the stock market? I've been thinking about it for a couple of months but don't really know where to start.
Thanx.

 

[Dameon]

Got a thousand bucks? That's usually about the lower starting balance.

www.etrade.com

 

[yakko]

I use the front door. I also listen to your radio station. Good stuff.

 

[gittyup]

Start by opening up an online account. There are many compaines that offer internet trading.

datek ** Use the streamer for quotes also
Ameritrade
etrade

 

[GasX]

If you are a true newbie now would be a good time as the market is down. Getting started is easy:

1. Find an online broker you like (Fidelity, e-trade, Datek, etc)
2. Open an account
3. Send a check to fund the account
4. Buy Vanguard's Index Fund
5. Set-up direct deposit of a portion of your paycheck into this account.
6. Buy more
7. Enjoy the effects of dollar-cost-averaging

Vanguard's Index Funds are one of the best investments around. They track the overall market (they have several depending on which index you want to follow). They have VERY low fees and outperform 90% of all mutual funds EVERY year.

Once you have a chunk of money in a diversified investment such as an index fund, you can think about buying individual stocks.

Also, seeing a financial advisor never hurts...