advice wanted

[Gerald]

Wise investing is a start to hopefully make some money.

Pox said it well:

I didn't start investing untill I had a 12 month security blanket in cash in the bank .

IMO......most younger people don't put enough importance in managing there money. I often shake my head when I read reports of the fancy "stuff" people spend there money on. If you don't have a sizeable amount in savings, you are probably not spending your money wisely. Now keep in mind......you are hearing this from a #1 tight wad when it comes to spending money.

But after living very comfortablely most of my life and rasing a family of 3 children .......I was able to retire almost 12 years ago at the age of 53.

Answer this question: After one year, which will put the most money in your savings account?

Investing say $ 10,000 in a couple of good stocks or making a shopping list before you go shopping and then after a week go buy the items on the list that you "need". This cuts out all "impulse" buying.

Now back to your question......When to sell? There is really no good answer, if there were.....there would be a lot more rich people. Investing is kind of like going to school or learning what to do on your new job. It take a certain amount of time and studying to know about the company and what is there business and how is it effected by other global changes.

Just about all stock prices will rise and fall with the market. The better stocks will hold there value [not go down as much] in a falling market. But when to sell....that is the question. Some people [individuals & investment brokers] set goals and sell [or buy] based on their goals. If your stock goes up and reaches your goal, maybe selling half would be wise after making a good gain. If the stock starts going down later sell the remaining shares......knowing you made some money.

Or you can watch certain key changes.....such as the stock price crossing below the 50 day moving average. Many consider this a "sell" indicator. Going above the 50 DMA could be a buy indicator.

Keep in mind..... with all the "professional" watching the market as a full time job and lots of information available to them.......they are not right all the time. Hopefully they are right more than half the time. Also you have to be aware of the "cost" of buying and selling. To make money, you have to invest a fairly large amount to lower the % of expences. And is safer to buy more than one stock. Then after you get more invested, you can spread out you investments into more stocks.

Perhaps one way to learn more about the stock market is to join an investment group. A group of people....just like you....that want to learn more about investing.

[Jo-boater]

Thanks guys for some good, wise, sound advice. It is much appreciated.