[Gandalf]

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread and a huge thanks to those who have contributed, esp Greg (Grocery store guy be damned - now I can actually say I get some of my best investment advice from the guy who flags my autocross lol!). I've learned a ton in the short time I've been consuming this thread and really makes me want to get started. I like your simple, makes-sense approach Greg - esp about buy what you consume and/or understand. I run a technology company but I like to think I understand the inherent risks associated enough not to dump all my eggs in that one basket. I really like the thought of the long-term, steady-as-she-goes brands I do consume outside of technology. My money is doing little-to-nothing right now so now is as good a time as any.

Happy asking the noob questions. Choosing a broker looks like choosing a stock. I don't want to research it to death and end up doing nothing. I'm not talking about dumping $100k in - just starting small anyway. Any issue(s) changing online-discount brokers down the line? Afterall - correct me if I am wrong but I OWN the stocks regardless of where I buy/manage them, right?

G.