Need to invest now! (Etrade, Scottrade, brokers, fund)

[mrgrape]

alright so i was trying to sign up for etrade or scottrade.
application is confusing, and takes time to sign and send letter etc.
while i was playing around, i saw a stock that went up 125% today and its still really cheap....
i want to invest now before its too late
help please

[Oildog]

I use Charles Schwab, didnt have much problems. They have offices in most larger cities.

[oleo]

Not a smart move. Why would you buy a stock AFTER it has already gone up? You should be buying AFTER it goes DOWN.

Most of the online brokers take about 2 weeks to get started.

Use your brain though. Please. You are going to lose all of your money in a heart beat.

A stock can go down just and quick as it goes up.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by mrgrape

i saw a stock that went up 125% today and its still really cheap....

Sounds like the old "pump and dump" routine .

[chet everett]

And what was the share price? There is reason that some of this companies are priced so that one day's receipts from your average Taco Bell can make you the proud holder of 50,000 shares...

[Nepenthe]

Heck, you want to see some real price movement? Look at near term options. I've seen many calls and puts move up 400%, 600%, 1400% in one day.

Originally Posted by oleo

Most of the online brokers take about 2 weeks to get started.

You should be able to go to the site, set up an account, implement an ACH transfer, take advantage of instant funding through the ACH, and buy stock with the money the same day. This is the case at Fidelity, at least.

[FarNorthDallas]

Don't get in a rush. Signing up for an online trading account takes time. They hold your money for a bit. There will be stocks going up every day. Those cheapie stocks can also go down. My co-worker bought a punch of a cheapie stock and then it went down 96%. Read up on investing first while your money gets cleared on the broker account.

[StealthRabbit]

Most of the online brokers take about 2 weeks to get started.

really!

I have usually done it overnight or 2 days max
via:
1) sign-up online, open acct
2) fax or scan doc's that need signature (mail originals 'next day')
3) wire funds as soon as you have an acct #

or... ACH takes a day to get set up

or drop by an office with a cashiers check

I have not had any trouble finding Scottrade offices, or getting them (or anyone else) to take my money.

Don't get in a big hurry to buy 'bargains'...

You should do a few months of 'paper trading' (fake it with monopoly money)
My acct at Thinkorswim lets me paper trade just like 'real life', (but much less painful)

Unless you are someone pretty special, You will want a very systematic approach to 'investing' AND you DONT do stuff on a whim, or outside your strategy till you have thoroughly examined it.

Be Careful,
sharks are everywhere

good luck, (But you won't need that if you are Investing)

[theplasticsurgeon]

online brokers take too long, walk into a local branch and open one that way, judging from your post, you may want to consult a financial advisor anyway, sounds like youre looking to buy high, that means you WILL sell low

[oceangaia]

I also share the concern of others that you are rushing and making a rash decision. Makes me wonder how you found this "hot stock" if you haven't been trading before now. Hopefully not a "tip". Stock investing (or even trading) is not to be done on emotion and panic.