A good stock broker is someone you can rely on to give you solid advice and protect your interests. Trust is key. And you get that by building an ongoing relationship with your broker. They should also be someone who remembers you exist. Especially when things are happening that you need to know about as soon as possible.
Clearly you don’t build a strong relationship with a broker — or anyone — in just a day or two. It takes time. And patience. And it takes asking lots of questions. If they seem short with you or distracted or give vague answers, they’re not the right broker for you.
Now and then, I like to include articles to help you sock away some of your hard-earned money … in a way that both protects it and helps it grow for retirement or other needs. But each of us has different levels of knowledge and preferences. So how can you tell if you need a stockbroker to help you?
A friend recently asked me about “portfolio theory” and why I talk so much about diversified investing. Basically, investment diversification is making sure that you balance the types and amounts of investments you have. And it’s absolutely one of the most important things any investor, at any stage of investing, should know.
A friend of mine said these simple words to me “Where can I learn how to buy stocks?” She’s over 50 and has never bought stocks before. And she thinks it’s finally time to learn what everyone else seems to already know.
Although I love the stock market and would like everyone to love it too, the stock market is not for everyone. I’ve learned that for some people owning stocks will not bring them happiness. Nor is it always the best financial investment, depending on your personal circumstances.