[saden1]

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.