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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does there have to be a middle-man when investing?
Q. Can I invest in stocks without opening a brokerage account?
Yes! Although your selection may be more limited than would be otherwise. If you have a specific company in mind, browse to their Investor Relations section of their web page and inquire about a direct-stock purchase plan. Companies such as Coca-Cola, Gillette, and McDonald's offer direct-purchase plans on their web site. The best resource available is EQUISERVE, which serves as a central database for hundreds of dividend reinvestment and direct-purchase programs.A.
Q. What about mutual funds? Is there any way I can invest directly?
A. The most predominant method of do-it-yourself investors whom invest in mutual funds is to open an account directly with the fund. Each set their own minimum investment requirements. For more information, visit the Mutual Fund topic on the About.com network. Some of the most well known and successful fund families around today are Fidelity, Janus, Oppenheimer, and VanGuard.
Since I can invest directly in both stocks and mutual funds, why would I still want to open a brokerage account?Q.
A. Besides consolidating all of your holdings [the advantage of which cannot be overstated], a brokerage account allows you to buy and sell at a moment's notice, giving you considerable more access to your cash and investments. When it comes time to calculate your taxes, you will only have one account statement to look over as opposed to ten, fifteen, or even twenty from various companies and mutual funds [depending upon how many you have invested in]. Most brokerage accounts also give you access to your information online, allowing you to instantly calculate your percent gain / loss on any particular investment, do research on thousands throughout the world, and consult a qualified professional who can give a fair evaluation of what to do with your finances since he can see everything you currently own. Although the commission for investing with a broker may be a bit higher, it's worth every penny.
Email Your Guide
Like all the Guides at About.com, I'm a real person. You can email me at beginnersinvest.guide@about.com.
