What Trading Platform do you use

[npg]

Originally Posted by investor999

i guess im the UK mascot for Rule 1 investment then, since im the only here in the UK!

Try Online Share Dealing : TD Waterhouse Investing & Share Trading

[GH Rob]

Just curious, can you do a trial account with Scottrade and set up "practice" trades so that you can get used to investing?

[JayC]

No, but you can do that with Thinkorswim. I registered to download their Papertrade application. I have to say, I like it a lot better than Scottrade. Plus, now that I am an INVESTools user I get a nice discount when I open a real account (commissions are $5.50 but I still need to read what all the fees are).

Jay

[GH Rob]

From what I have read about investools; it seems very expensive. Is it really THAT good? Does the price of the program make up for what you will make from your trades?

For instance, how is investools different from Scottrade or Ameritrade? Is there a secret formula they use? Do you make a lot more money with them?

I'm just a beginning investor that hasn't sunk a penny into Phil Town's program yet (#1 Rule investing) but is investools worth it for a novice investor like myself?

[JayC]

Originally Posted by nuorder

From what I have read about investools; it seems very expensive. Is it really THAT good? Does the price of the program make up for what you will make from your trades?

For instance, how is investools different from Scottrade or Ameritrade? Is there a secret formula they use? Do you make a lot more money with them?

I'm just a beginning investor that hasn't sunk a penny into Phil Town's program yet (#1 Rule investing) but is investools worth it for a novice investor like myself?

That's a personal choice. I was able to "try" the website for a week before I had to commit. I did and while I liked it, BUT I was hesitant to invest the $999. I went through every nook and cranny I could on the site yet fear of "wasting" money on something I could find for free on the web. I spent a month trying to duplicate the information they provide including the education ... I couldn't. So I called them back up and asked if I could still get in at $999. They said yes, that was the new cost (first 6 months included then $50 a month afterwards). The community, the Trading Rooms (I traded the Trading Rooms for the live class), the Toolbox (love PhrophetCharts) ... I love it and I feel more confident in my knowledge (a major importance to me) of trading stocks, sizing my positions, and picking companies. To each their own, I'm not trying to sell you or anyone just relating my experience.

As far as making more money with it ... well no I don't look at it that way (Iie not fast money). I see it as making better choices (ie position sizing, entry/exit identification, portfolio management). I too am very novice, and the current market has me scratching my head as to how to play it (paper of course). If nothing else I have discovered more about myself as an investor, my fear levels (and the root of my fears), my behavior, and most importantly my real goals.

FWIW
Jay

[dnystwn]

I've been with Scottrade for a while and haven't found any issue. they've been very professional. I'm looking to move some of my money to tradeking for the lower commission since I've been doing more options trading.

[proteusthegreat]

If anybody is thinking about paper trading. Try using Google Finance. You don't have to have a Gmail account to open with them, I use my yahoo account, and it allows you to create a portfolio and input the stock, shares, purchase price, commision, and any notes you want about the stock (ie Expected high price). The good thing it allows you to keep track of overal return, days gain, etc. Great for paper trading!