There are so many factors to consider when first entering the stock market. Should you invest in individual stocks or complete mutual funds that hold a number of different companies? While mutual funds and exchange-traded funds should obviously form part of every serious stock portfolio, they might not offer the same thrill of putting your money into the stock market and discovering a solid company you really believe in. A key point to consider is that while many mutual fund managers will promise the moon, only the best can result.

Fortunately, with a little work and due diligence you can identify excellent companies through the research of your fellow investors. One good place to start is to find the investment manager that is most comfortable recommending an asset manager to his or her clients. You can also find out what type of stocks they are most likely to include in their portfolio by asking how often they trade in the major exchanges. An amalgamation of these indicators will help you determine which of a number of top picks from the best stock market traders they recommend should be part of your own portfolio.

As with any investment vehicle, it’s important to thoroughly research the various investment choices available. This means knowing both the pros and cons of each before making any decisions. The top stock market brokers are considered specialists in their own right because of their years of experience and track record. When selecting an online broker, it’s critical that you do your homework to make sure they have the experience and trustworthiness necessary to meet your personal investing goals. You should ask plenty of questions and don’t be afraid to use investment research tools to help narrow down the list of brokerage choices.

After evaluating the track record and history of each potential brokerage account, you should evaluate their commission fees. Remember, the cheapest deals may not offer the best service or provide adequate compensation for the time and effort you’ll invest. You may also want to consider a fee-based system of investing which requires monthly deposits to be held in a specially designed account. Some of the best online brokerages are those which charge fees only when investors start investing and require no minimum amount of money to open an account.

Another key area to investigate is the types of investments available with a specific brokerage firm. Active mutual funds are one of the most widely used investment vehicles today. Investors like exchanging-traded funds because they allow them to purchase large amounts of stock at once and hold them for a longer period of time. Exchange-traded funds are highly diversified and include a wide assortment of different stocks, including many of the big names in the stock market such as Microsoft Corporation, Alcoa Energy, Proctor & Gamble, or Credit Suisse First Boston. While they do carry some risk, the low fees often offset this additional risk.

The best stock mutual funds are designed specifically to meet specific investor requirements. This is why it’s always a good idea to do research into the investment strategies of any company that you’re thinking about investing in before you start investing. There are a number of excellent resources on the Internet which will help you determine what your needs are and which stocks best suit your own investment style.

Individual stocks are another area of consideration. Most people like buying individual stocks rather than investing in large groups of companies. Because individual stocks follow the more volatile trading patterns of individual companies, individual stocks offer a greater potential for increased profits and fewer losses. However, there are risks involved in trading individual stocks, and investors need to do their homework and understand the risk and rewards associated with these types of investments before they start investing. Again, doing the necessary research can help individuals determine which individual stocks are a good fit for their own investment strategy.

Lastly, don’t forget your estate. Real estate has great earning potential regardless of current market conditions. While real estate isn’t as widely traded as other types of stocks, there are some excellent bargains to be found if you’re willing to look. In fact, by diversifying your investments and including some of your estate in your portfolio, you can create a secure, profitable, conservative retirement fund that will improve your financial situation now and in the future.