How to Become A Self Directed Investor Using Web Based Tools

If you would like to educate yourself to be your own broker there are web based tools to seriously speed up the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer and Internet
• Desire to Learn
• Time To Invest Learning

1. 
    
   Investools Logo

   Investools specializes in Investor Education. If you aren't sure you would like being your own Broker take a free introductory class from Investools, a company that focuses on Investor Education. Not ready to go to a live seminar? On their website you Can Take A Free, Live, Introductory Class, Tour the Investor Toolbox, Take their Investing Quiz, Watch a Video Preview, View their Catalog and get Free Stock Analyses.

2. 
    
   thinkorswim Logo

   thinkorswim Group is among the fastest growing online brokerage firms with unique investor education and trading capabilities, particularly for the fastest growing segment of the industry, Options Trading. Once ready to take the plunge check out "thinkorswim" where you can open an Online Brokerage Account. They have been rated #1 Online Broker 3 of the last 4 Years by Barron's Magazine. They have transformed the way many Self-Directed Investors trade Stocks, Options, Mutual Funds, Futures and Forex. Their flagship trading platform is an easy-to-use interface combined with powerful trading tools. It is built for all levels of trading, from beginners to seasoned pros. You can set up an IRA for No Setup or Annual Fees. Make 40 Trades Per Month and Qualify for an Internet Rebate. Get 3 Complimentary Mutual Fund Trades Per Month. Pay Zero Commissions To By Back Any Short Options for .05.

3. 
    
   TD Ameritrade Logo

   TD Ameritrade is the current industry leader in Equity Trades placed each day. You can trade Equities for $9.99 commission and no maintenance fee. You can easily roll over an old 401K account. They deliver an extensive array of state-of-the-art-tools. You can call Customer Service for assistance 24/7 or visit one of the more than 100 branches for in person service. They have won accolades for their Retirement Planning Tools and their Mutual Fund Center. Wall Street Magazine's Smart Money recognized them for Best in Research & Trading Tools from the 2008 survey completed by Brokers. For the past 3 years they made the Forbes Best Big Companies list.

Tips & Warnings

• thinkorswim sponsors "Options Actions" Friday's, 11:30-12:00 PM ET.
• December 2008, thinkorswim's publication "thinkMoney" was named "Best New Magazine" by Customs Publishing Council.
• 1-8-09 TD Ameritrade announced plans to acquire thinkorswim.
• For any Public Held company, look under Investor Relations for all SEC Reports, Financials, Press Releases, Governance Documents, Board Member List, etc.
• No matter how good the tools are it takes personal effort to succeed.
• Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
• The reference to the Investools scam on an ad link I noticed as soon as I viewed my published article, is unfounded. From what I personally know about the company, the allegations are false and may be considered slander.

Resources

• Investools
• thinkorswim Group
• TD Ameritrade