How to Find an Initial Investment
- 1). Determine your investment goals before getting started. Decide what you are investing for, and how long your time horizon is, before deciding on an investment. If you wil need the money in five years or less, invest only in safe investments like money market funds and bank certificates of deposit. If your time horizon is longer than five years, stock market investing might be the best choice.
- 2). Read a number of financial publications to learn as much as you can about investing. Publications like the Wall Street Journal and Barrons can help you get started. These publications also contain large numbers of ads for mutual funds and brokerage houses, giving you a good route for opening your initial investment
- 3). Contact several brokerage firms and mutual fund companies and request information for new investors. Read these publications carefully to make sure they meet your needs.
- 4). Complete the application form for the investment you choose. Include all requested information, including your name, address and Social Security number.
- 5). Enclose a check with your completed application and mail it to the address listed on the form. Many mutual fund companies and mutual fund families use a different address for traditional and express mail, so make sure you send the funds to the right address.
