Just call me a timid trader wanna be, or post #3. I've been investing since college, donating monthly to a series of mutual funds. I own some stock from the Entertainment Giant for which I work part time -- donations to stock pulled weekly from meager pay check.

In 1999 my funds were valued higher than the amount I had contributed to them. Now they are worth much less. I pick and choose different funds once a year. Those that have increased in value, I continue investing in. Those that have not, I cease contributing to, but don't "cut my losses" by pulling the money out. When I receive my quarterly reports I breathe deeply and repeat the mantra "This is a LONG TERM investment...."

I read lots of literature giving different stock market investing advice, but I find myself too timid to put my money where my guesses are. This is the third year "start trading stocks online" has been on my New Year's Resolution list. (Lose weigh has been there for awhile, too!) So I'm hoping the experts here can help me become a little more comfortable with understanding strategies, and encourage me to take the plunge by making an initial investment.

If it all goes downhill, I'll "cut my losses" and go back to the Carlton Sheet's method of obtaining wealth - Real Estate Investing!
<grin>