I am a young investor (18), and looking to put $900 in initially in stocks...Any advice?

I have done months of research. I have read at least 15 contemporary investing books, talked to investors, and even used an investing simulator to pick a stock and track it. I have found 3 very solid stocks and am looking to invest at least 75 weekly. Any advice before hit the ground running?I am a young investor (18), and looking to put $900 in initially in stocks...Any advice?
$900 split 3 ways is $300 each. COmmissions will amount to 3-4% of your investment. Not great, not horrible if you think you will own them for several years.





But I believe you are a better investment than any company. Buy some books and read them. Take a class (or several). Travel somewhere outside the country. Go find a local charity and donate a lot of time and a little money. ALl of these investments will pay back 100-fold.





Some books to get you started.





The Richest Man in Babylon


The Millionaire Next Door


Atlas Shrugged


The Challenge to Succeed (CD set by Jim Rohn)


The Power of Positive Thinking


How to WIn Friends and Influence People


Forbes Magazine


The Economist


Outstanding Investor DIgest ($$$$ - get a free sample first).





And if you really want to invest in some stocks, ask yourself this...





What do you know about these companies that most people do NOT know? Do you work there? Do you buy stuff from them or sell stuff to them? If you do not have some kind of advantage over the rest of the market investors, maybe they are not the right companies. BUy local companies so you can go on the plant tours, visit the CEO, attend the annual meetings.I am a young investor (18), and looking to put $900 in initially in stocks...Any advice?
Well. Looks like you have done the research.





Do not get into the market thinking you are going to make a loss. Always believe in fundamental investing.





Invest in companies with strong fundamentals like low debt strong balance sheet , huge cash reserve and a dividend history. The most important strong management and IF you can look for companies with low competition.





Investing for the long term is the best option you have right now because prices are depressed at the moment and buying them up at this price will only let you reap the benefits at a later stage.





My advise would be at this stage in oil industries if you can. For most people that foolishness at this stage the price of oil is down to about 30-40 dollars but within a year or two the prices are bound to strike up because the economy would be out of recession which would drive up the prices of oil because of demand.





2nd reason is because the oil nations cannot afford to keep the oil prices at such low level as it eventually hurts their economy.





but that's my personal advise
The stock market is a hit and miss strategy. I would say to put some money into commodities, gold, oil, food products. These sectors don't usually lose much, but stay away from the peanuts lol





invest some in new and up coming companies...get a broker and listen to his/her advise.





Just be prepared to lose a little before you get alot. Dont, get all crazy if the stocks fall a bit....just wait and they will bounce back....





good luck
By reading 15 books before you invest..... you're way ahead of 98% of the other investors that just wing it.





Here are some of my basic rules/suggestions;


Always have stops %26amp; honor them.


Always use position sizing


Never take stock tips.