stock picks

Just wondering if anyone plays the stock market. Or do you have any stock options with your company? I play it pretty safe investing some in banks and insurance but I've never looked into doing much buying and trading.

I don't buy individual stocks because you have to constantly keep an eye on them. I like buying mutual funds as they tend to be less risky. I use both MassMutual (their fund selections have been good to me so far) and Edward Jones. I'm not a big fan of Edward Jones cause they push you towards buying class C shares where they get their cut upfront. I've heard good things about Vanguard brokerage accounts. I think at the end of the year switch to them.

I have stock options with my current company but they aren't worth a damn. Their stock price is stagnant and it takes 4 years for all my shares to vest. Worthless unless you like risks.

i use vanguard and unless you stay on top of them, they are pretty much useless. i also get stock options thru my company, but can turn around and trade them after a 30 day wait. pretty good deal

I follow stocks, options, mutual funds, real estate, and several other investment types as a hobby, and I'll actually invest in certain instruments when I have some extra cash lying around.

As saden1 said, mutual funds are your best bet, if you don't have the time to watch your investments constantly. Just be sure to pick a well reviewed company that has been around for more than ten years.

As of right now, I tend to stay away from tech stocks. Real estate stocks are still going strong, but they're not having the crazy growth they had a couple years back. Energy stocks are iffy, but you can make some quick cash if you time your moves correctly.