Q.
We want to play around with money we've set aside for investments. Any good online trading websites?
A.
First off, if you're going to “play” around with money, make sure this is money you're prepared to lose! Investing without guidance from an adviser can be risky. Studies show that most people lose more money than they make when “day-trading” (buying and selling stocks in the same 24-hour period). If you're set on doing it alone, check out websites like ETrade.com and SmithBarney.com that allow you to control your choices. Remember to never invest more than you can “afford” to lose. Your next mortgage payment shouldn't be dependent on whether or not Google stock is rising or falling that month.
Jan 19, 2011