Student Loan into shares?

mrposhman

sabretoothtigger wrote: »

Apple is obviously going to suffer short term as its customers cut back from premium products but they are an innovative and unique company and maybe a good long term bet but I would not be looking to rush into paying todays prices for the promise tomorrow of some returns

I think students still get this cash in a lump sum, I'd place that lump sum in an interest account and use it as a feeder account for gradual accumulation of share and fund positions.
Lots of companies welcome small regular investment by direct debit, etc

Assuming the Ftse is low risk means you are off to a bad start and have much to learn on the best returns for the least risk, best to take it slow and avoid lump sum investing.
I speak from painful experience


Also dont pick shares by your personal experience as a consumer, that is only one minor part of the business and good companys can and do go broke.
Lots get caught out with personal bias unfortunately, its a negative in your judgement imo

Some good advice here.

I don't think its an inherently bad idea just you need to be very aware of the risks that you will be undertaking.

Make sure you don't listen to the BB's. I read them, but far too often do you get rampers who are looking to make a quick buck out of you. Don't mistake these for people that are trying to give you tips, some people are just trying to help others find a good company, others are really trying to screw you royally.

If I was you I would read the naked trader and research a large group of companies till you find a selection that you like the sound of. Research their debt positions and cashflow positions first and foremost.

pjrobertson

Thanks for all the great advice people.

I think I'm beginning to get a grip on how 'NOT easy' investing really is

I'll pick up a copy of the book and invest sometime soon.
Does anybody think I will have missed my chance if I study the market for ~3 months then invest? (with share prices doubling or something!)

Lokolo

pjrobertson wrote: »

Thanks for all the great advice people.

I think I'm beginning to get a grip on how 'NOT easy' investing really is

I'll pick up a copy of the book and invest sometime soon.
Does anybody think I will have missed my chance if I study the market for ~3 months then invest? (with share prices doubling or something!)

None of us have a crystal ball.

mrposhman

pjrobertson wrote: »

Thanks for all the great advice people.

I think I'm beginning to get a grip on how 'NOT easy' investing really is

I'll pick up a copy of the book and invest sometime soon.
Does anybody think I will have missed my chance if I study the market for ~3 months then invest? (with share prices doubling or something!)

You won't have missed everything even if a bull market starts tomorrow. Expect the bull market (when it starts) to run for years not months.

How about phantom trading for a bit whilst you get to grips with trading?

sabretoothtigger

Does anybody think I will have missed my chance if I study the market for ~3 months then invest?

Dont believe the hype, we're in a bear market and you will have more then one chance to trade imo though some companies have come out with surprisingly strong results and the market will remember that but most of the current positivity is speculative not fact based afaik
ie. bubble machine makes everyone go oOo but its all gone in the next strong gust :laugh:

I've not bought any shares listed on foreign exchanges because of the increased complexity and the additional factor of changes in exchange rates.

Theres a few foreign companies I wouldnt mind owning long term but Im not sure if theres a cheap way to buy them really, its a risk multiplier I guess.
In fact you would have to sign additional risk waivers in order to trade foreign shares I believe

I think this is where funds and trackers come into play, a bigger distribution off sets the international risk which leaves you to play with individual shares over shorter time scales on the home turf, hopefully neither turns out too risky

bookshifter

mrposhman wrote: »

You won't have missed everything even if a bull market starts tomorrow. Expect the bull market (when it starts) to run for years not months.

How about phantom trading for a bit whilst you get to grips with trading?

Can anyone recommend any sites for phantom trading, I assume some exist?

sabretoothtigger

yahoo do a portfolio tracker

pjrobertson

I've started using ADVFN.com as suggested by the Naked Trader. It has a pretty good portfolios section for phantom trading.

I've also used google's finance, which apparently is very much like yahoo's.

I bought my first £1200 worth of phantom shares yesterday (I know, the market wasn't open!) so I'll see how I do...