OK, so you’ve got a plan — from how you’re going to save some extra cash to invest to how you’re going to find the next Microsoft. You’re ready to choose your first stock or mutual fund investment, but you’re, uh, a little nervous. You’re not sure you’re ready to plunk down some of your hard-earned money…yet.

You don’t have to. Lots of new investors spend some time “practicing” before they go for the real thing. And there are lots of ways to do that. You could play this Stock Market Simulation or sit in on a model investment club meeting.

On the other hand, maybe you’re ready to dig in. Either way, we’ve got some words of advice before you make that first purchase. In this section, we’ll take you through the final steps, from finalizing your stock or mutual fund study to choosing a broker.

Picking Stocks