The only thing making me a little nervous this time is the trickle down effect of the sub-prime debacle, the slow-down of the housing industry, and the craziness going on with the cost of a barrel of oil, etc. etc. etc. -- Did I say the "only thing?" I'm not ready yet to jump on my pony and start yelling that the sky is falling, but I think it's wise to be very, very cautions right now.
Hi, Hook,
Welcome to the club! There will always be the cheaters and the cheated, the rich, the poor, the best of times, the worst of times. All at the same time. My point is that there is always risk and it's always the best time to invest - as long as you have a plan like AIM to keep the emotions in check so you can invest systematically and spare the gut the rolaids, the nights of needing Ambien to sleep.
Above all practice due dilligence on whatever you want to invest in. If you want to start cautiously, ETF's are one of the lowest expensed ways to put the toe in the water. And if you start with a really broad-based one such as IYY (iShares total market) or IVV (iShares S&P 500) index funds, you're investing in at least 500 companies right off the bat. Unless the whole economy tanks in one shot, either of those should be around for quite a while. And will give AIM buys and sells, though maybe not with the frequency of individual stocks. But if you make these a "core" part of a portfolio, you can add some more high-flyers later on. That way you won't be betting the whole macadamia orchard on one shot! And the return should give you enough to enjoy the pineapple, at least now and then!
Best,
AIMster
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