I for one find great importance in this thread. I've watched it from the beginning and learn from it everyday since I am a total investing newbie.
Also, many/most of the online brokerage firms (Schwab, TDAmeritrade, OptionsXpress which is now part of the Schwab group, etc.) have educational sections that have webinairs, videos and other free educational items to help explain the basics of financials, charts, etc. Of course you can get way too overwhelmed in the "trader" items but if you stick to the basics it really does help educate on the whys of financials to help analyze the stocks, dividends and all the terms thrown around. I agree with Greg's comments awhile back---that the overall financial "experts" want to have all this confusion, smoke and mirrors so we feel the need to only use their mutual funds, counseling, etc. In reality some of these videos, etc. really break things down to the basics which have really helped me start to understand the whys and hows of all the reports and charts for researching the companies I want to get to know.
Another thing is some of these brokerages also have free Virtual Trading if you are a little scared to invest yet, want to look at the what if's or lack the initial funds. You can check your virtual investments in real time to see where they are with the market and can at least see the returns that can be had. Then when you are ready to pull the trigger you know what you'll be basically getting into.
Thanks for all the education and please keep it coming!
Wes
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