Futuristic
Confused about dryer sheets
Hey guys, a little bit about myself: I found these forums through the recommendation of a financial counselor, who served 20 and retired from the US Navy (it seems there are a few active and prior service-members here). I myself am an active duty US Marine stationed in beautiful San Diego and am now beginning to educate myself on becoming financially independent. I'm 30yo, single, no kids, and I am not looking to retire for at least another 20 years (not sure if it would even be considered early retirement at that point). However questions about early retirement itself are not what bring me here, though I know that is the main thrust of the discussions here. My questions center around stock investing.
I know that before I begin to invest I not only have to educate myself (reading classic books on the subject) but that it is also helpful to have an expert on my team. Whether that be in the form of stock broker, or even a CFP/CFA. However I inherently dislike the notion of taking advice from those that work based on commissions, but my view about this might be limited because if they're not making you money they'll lose your business pretty fast. There are also independent equity analysis firms such as Morningstar, Value Line, S&P Capital IQ, Argus Research, that make money based off subscriptions to their reports. There are also subscription based investment newsletters such as The Prudent Speculator, and Investor Advisory Service. My question is how do you decide where to get your investment advice from (also what have your experiences been with any sources), and what professional should I have on my team to help me accomplish my investment goals (if any). Or is a professional such as a CFA or the services of an investment company such as Edward Jones not needed when I could instead rely on the reports of equity analysis firms, or investment newsletters and buy the stocks through computershare's website. Pros/Cons of using a professional's service vs relying on newsletters and equity analysis firms would be much appreciated. Also what sort of professionals should I be considering?
I thank anyone who first, read through all this, and then also provided meaningful answers.
I know that before I begin to invest I not only have to educate myself (reading classic books on the subject) but that it is also helpful to have an expert on my team. Whether that be in the form of stock broker, or even a CFP/CFA. However I inherently dislike the notion of taking advice from those that work based on commissions, but my view about this might be limited because if they're not making you money they'll lose your business pretty fast. There are also independent equity analysis firms such as Morningstar, Value Line, S&P Capital IQ, Argus Research, that make money based off subscriptions to their reports. There are also subscription based investment newsletters such as The Prudent Speculator, and Investor Advisory Service. My question is how do you decide where to get your investment advice from (also what have your experiences been with any sources), and what professional should I have on my team to help me accomplish my investment goals (if any). Or is a professional such as a CFA or the services of an investment company such as Edward Jones not needed when I could instead rely on the reports of equity analysis firms, or investment newsletters and buy the stocks through computershare's website. Pros/Cons of using a professional's service vs relying on newsletters and equity analysis firms would be much appreciated. Also what sort of professionals should I be considering?
I thank anyone who first, read through all this, and then also provided meaningful answers.