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and often seem as confusing and overwhelming as doing a search of individual sites. We may even end up feeling stupid. |
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We think we ought to be able take in and comprehend more than we actually can. So most of us try and push ourselves, stuffing in more and more bits of information, both simultaneously and sequentially. And that's only what is bombarding us from the outside. While the outside is bad enough, it actually is relatively tame compared to what is happening on the inside, thanks to the chattering of the mind. |
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The plethora of sites related to investing is partly a result of the explosion in online trading and partly created by the structure for navigating the Internet itself. They call it a "web" for a good reason: Taking a step down the associated path of links to related sites and following up these links to still more links can take us on a fascinating journey that may last for months. Or it may lead us on a wild goose chase that wastes a lot of time. Before we know it, we've become ensnared in the web. Curiosity is a marvelous thing. But it may lead to a lot of linkages that we can live without, linkages in a chain that binds. |
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Investors may come away from trying to explore these sites with a sense that there is simply too much information that they will not have and will never grasp. And they wonder how much of this information is important for them to know and how much of it is irrelevant to their needs. How much information is enough? Each investor has to decide for him- or herself. |
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One way to cope with overload is to choose a few web sites and explore them thoroughly. Listen to what others recommend for news, analysis, and commentary. Much of the material from one web site to another is similar or duplicated. You don't need to explore every web site to get an adequate grasp of what's happening. Start slowly and add more as you feel ready. |
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Most good discount brokerage sites will have a certain amount of news, research, and charting available, as well as a place to set up and manage your portfolio. They may also have links to other related sites that can be your jumping-off point to explore more, if you wish. |
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So, a robust discount brokerage site is the place to start for most online investors. While some skeleton sites might be good for very cheap trading, they usually don't offer much research, charting, or retirement planning tools. |
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