The purchase of stock can be accomplished in a variety of ways. One can
do their own purchasing through websites and, most likely, a completely
computerized process. One can also purchase stock through a brokerage
house, which provides more human interaction and is probably safer for unsure
investors. Both choices have their advantages and drawbacks depending on
what the investor is looking for. While an online trader probably has more direct
control over his/her portfolio, those investors that go through brokerage houses
can feel assured that they have knowledgeable and reliable support. No matter
how one chooses to invest, unless they plan on actually trading in person on the
stock exchange floor, they will need to go through some sort of broker and they
will need to pay the broker a commission. Most often, the commission is a
percentage of the investment or it could be a flat per-trade rate in the range from
$5 to $100 or more.
Playing the stock market is, as is anything concerning the manipulation of
money, a risk. An investment is never guaranteed a successful return and even
a profit can easily be lost in the blink-of-an-eye. The stock market can be cruel
and it can be quite generous. Almost like someone playing the lottery, an
investor needs to accept the fact that they may not come away with millions.
Unlike the lottery, however, a careful investor has control over their investment
and with patience, perseverance and a little bit of luck, can come away with
substantial gains and a feeling of accomplishment. The stock market is a
learning experience, and as such, investors need to know there is always the
possibility of failure and the possibility of great success.