Anybody know anything about stocks?

[tashamjoy]

I am thinking to ask for a stock for christmas, can you do that give as gifts? Do you think this is a good idea?

[Liquidfire_43]

A stock? As in a equity stake of a company?

I wouldn't necessarily ask someone to buy a stock in Christmas or at all... A stock is basically a stake at a company and if they do good in their product and services, the price of stocks will go up... If they don't then they go down... It's an investment and it can either worth a lot (compare to when you buy it) or worth less (which means you sell it lower than when you buy it)... Another problem is that a person has to pick a company that will flourish, and that could range to millions of companies out there (you probably need to pick one yourself than ask then to buy a general stock). You also have to have a feel on when it will spike and sell it when it's at it's peak... Too much procedure for small investment (if you are think of buying 1 stock). Not to mention reporting it to the IRS and such... If you don't know anything about stocks don't get into unless you hire a financial advisor that will do it for you..


If I were you I would ask for gold =P

[ahmedrocks234]

 I don't think you can give stocks for Christmas, doesn't make sense.

[jcalexis]

The best way to learn about stocks is to read about them and try to speak with someone who is very knowledgeable about stocks.

[sarabtrayior]

I tried stocks and lost most everything, however I just cashed out one stock and made more than $1,100 and that's good... 

[dodgers16]

    well all I know is that they go on your feet before your shoes, oh sorry you asked about stocks, I though you asked if we know about socks....lol

[lvstephanie]

I would say unless you are really excited about one particular company (or if you work for that company and they give you stock options), then I'd suggest getting a mutual fund instead of a stock. Mutual funds are essentially packages of several different stocks that usually have some commonality among them. For example, you may get an aggressive growth fund, which means that all of the stocks purchased in that fund tend to be more aggressive to get a higher rate of growth (but at the cost of less security, meaning that there is also more risk that the stocks will go down). The advantage of a mutual fund is that because there are several different stocks that participate in the fund, there is a little less risk in getting them; if one company goes down in the fund, another may make up for this loss by going up.

[sanglee]

the quickest way to make fast money, i dont know how it worls at all, so I believe it is a scam, even the pros cant make all that much money, but I wish I knew something too, so I can make a few bucks on it

[jmccaskill]

Stocks, bonds, and all other investments really need to be studied in depth before one gets involved in them. Probably everything you have ever heard about investments are true, the good and the bad and the absurd!:)

I suggest that some search and study be undertaken to get an idea of what you are looking into, there is a LOT of info one should be at least aware of if nothing else, and a lot of vocabulary one NEEDS to know before trying to discuss investments in depth with a professional.

There is no 'magic' involved, but most folks that do not do their homework do not fare well in the investment arenas!

[bremer51]

You need to do a lot of research before you get into investing in stocks.  They can be very volatile and you could lose your Christmas stock very easily.  A conservative mutual fund with a long track record makes more sense.  Then your investment is spread over many companies, thus reducing the risk.  My advice: ask for a nice gift card.

[ancmetro]

     
      I would rather buy any municipal bond because they are tax exempt!

[acurtsinger2]

with all the hype about bailouts and stuff i wouldn't trust them

[zreeds]

I invested in a blue chip stock once for my son and I cashed out because my money kept decreasing. needless to say I lost money, I rather buy a bond or cd.

[jmccaskill]

OK, having re-read your original post, and the comments made so far, I think it is pretty obvious that most folks suggest that you NOT buy 'a stock', and some suggest alternate investments.

I must assume you are fairly young, and the idea of getting into the stock market is not a bad idea at all. There are a lot of ways to do this, but for one just starting out I think there is only ONE way to begin. Choose a mutual fund that matches your investment goals, I suspect it would be a growth oriented one that you would expect to grow in value over a long period. The fund you choose needs to be one with VERY low costs (management fees and such) Vanguard funds are but one of a number of funds that really do have low costs.

So, do some homework, Barons, Morningstar, etc., are good sources to learn from.

[oldbuddy]

Stocks are those things they stick your neck and wrists in during the witch hunt days, right?