Still, investing in the stock market is a complex business. In many cases, a good stockbroker or other financial specialist can be an essential element of success. Your financial situation is your best guide to choosing an investment. Growth, through the long-term appreciation of capital, might be your choice if you have good income, or if you are relatively young and are willing to take greater investment risks for larger gains down the road. Conversely, if you are living on a fixed or retirement income, your main goal might be regular income through dividends and interest while protecting your principal.
Many schools offer low-cost courses on the basics of personal investing.
Remember that no investment is risk-free and, as a rule, the greater the potential return, the greater the risk. Even if you have substantial assets, that doesn't mean every investment is appropriate for you. You should only invest in securities you understand and only if the risk is within your comfort range. Discount brokerage employees are generally paid a straight salary, and they typically charge lower commissions than their full-service counterparts. Full-service brokers, on the other hand, receive commissions based on the number and size of transactions in your account.