About Kenneth W. James, CFA Expertise Past President, Denver Society of Security Analysts & President, Greenwood
Investment Management, Inc., frequent writer and speaker, often quoted in
the financial press.
Experience Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA designation earned 1990, Past president of the Denver Society of Security Analysts. Professional portfolio manager to high-net worth, family trusts, foundations, endowments.
Question Hello, I a college student and I thinking of buying one or two stocks of a company that I've chosen. I'm not asking which stock to buy but since this is my first time, I'd like to get some advice on how to buy a stock? Do I go online? Which website would be reliable? If I buy it online to I get mailed the stock certificate? oh yes, I'm not s US citizen, that's not going to complicate things, right? Help.
Clueless about buying stocks,
Lindsey
Answer Hi Lindsey -
Good luck with your future stock purchases. Remember there is a difference between investing and gambling. The companies you buy should be companies you wish to own because of long term superior performance, not trading.
That said, you can purchase online. My suggestion is to use TD Waterhouse brokerage. They are a global brokerage company with a website. You can purchase stock very cheaply online once you open an account, I think up to 2500 shares for only $15. That should fit most peoples needs.
You will not get a stock certificate unless you request it. That is not the best approach. Let the custodian hold it for you electronically. 99% of all transactions are done this way. The shares are registered to you through the custodian, the certificate can never get lost or damaged.
You receive montly statements from the custodian, TD Waterhouse, showing your ownership. You can also view your account online. The fact that you are not a US Citizen will not matter in this case.
