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Original poster

I want to buy some shares

13 replies

Beetroot · 23/01/2006 10:43

My Dad has always sorted this sort of thing for me and he is travelling aroudn the world for a year. Any ideas where I go??

OP posts:

pepperrabbit · 23/01/2006 10:52

Any of the banks will have in house dealers and you can probably deal online even as a new member. Depends if you're price sensitive as to whether you're better off speaking to a real life person.
Dealing costs usually a % of deal, reduces the more you spend /buy. Minimums say £10/15. Settlrmrnt usually 10 days later.
hth!

starlover · 23/01/2006 10:52

a sharemonger

Original poster

Beetroot · 23/01/2006 10:58

My dad went through a financial guy? is that the best way? how woudl I know what to buy if I didnt??

OP posts:

pepperrabbit · 23/01/2006 11:18

Sorry Beetroot, thought you had chosen what to buy! If you're starting from scratch you might want to take advice from a financial advisor who deals with portfolios - depends on how much cash you have. Or start by looking at a website through Google - they have links to sites for advice etc. eg this is the first one that came up:-
www.londonstockexchange.com/en-gb/pricesnews/investorcentre/knowledge/investmentfactsheets/howtobuyshares.htm

Trouble is it's a bit of a gamble obviously! Decide if you're looking for long term investment/income or quick wins, that determines if you're looking for co's that pay good dividends or one's that look to grow their price and therefore your profit when you sell.
It's taken me so long to type this you've probably had lots of more useful replies by now!

Earlybird · 23/01/2006 11:19

I buy shares via a broker at Merrill Lynch but your dad may do it differently...or, at least, may use a different company.

Does your dad hold the share certificates for you, or are they held elsewhere? How do you transfer money to him when he's bought for you in the past? Do you give him a cheque, and if so, who is it made out to? Those things may give you a clue as to how your dad handles these things, and you may be able to take over in his absence.

Are you in touch with your dad? You could ask him next time you speak, or email him.

One last comment...last week was awful for the market in Japan (big corruption scandal going on there that's rocked the market), and in America (market lost 10% of it's value on Friday), so not really sure it's the best time to buy if you're inexperienced. Very volatile at the moment, so might be better to wait until the financial markets have stabilised a bit. Must confess that I don't keep up with the market here on a daily basis, but it's likely that the UK market is down too as they all tend to follow the same trends.

pepperrabbit · 23/01/2006 11:19

Or, have a skim through the thread about what jobs everyne has and look for a broker!

Earlybird · 23/01/2006 11:28

I'm lousy at links, but to educate yourself, you you could check out the following sites:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings
(check the shares section)

Or, other people swear by the Motley Fool for good information. Their website is here:
www.fool.co.uk/

Earlybird · 23/01/2006 11:28

I'm lousy at links, but to educate yourself, you you could check out the following sites:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings
(check the shares section)

Or, other people swear by the Motley Fool for good information. Their website is here:
www.fool.co.uk/

Earlybird · 23/01/2006 11:29

I'm lousy at links, but to educate yourself, you you could check out the following sites:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings
(check the shares section)

Or, other people swear by the Motley Fool for good information. Their website is here:
www.fool.co.uk/

Earlybird · 23/01/2006 11:30

Server problems, methinks! Or else I'm very eager to help you out!

Original poster

Beetroot · 23/01/2006 12:00

thank you thank you. Uncle said to look at Bloomberg. Dad is away and not contactable. I have not got shares anymore but want to buy some more now.

But if itis the wrong time..hmmm

OP posts:

pepperrabbit · 23/01/2006 12:10

Well, markets are down on the last week or two's highs but that means it could be a good time to buy - but not to sell! depends if they drop further.....
I normally resolve not to look at the price of anything for the 3 weeks after I've dealt - saves a lot of kicking yourself and angst! (and trust me, we do not have a "portfolio" - just enough to pay for my maternity leave for No2 on the way at the mo)

mapleleaf · 23/01/2006 12:54

We use Halifax sharedealing. The online transactions are only £11.95 and they transfer over paper shares you may hold for free, you can deal online or over the phone if you choose etc. check out the halifax website. they also hold a sharebuilder account which is for people who want to simply invest in the markets but in smaller monthly amounts. whether now is the right time or not to buy who knows ? if you are looking to invest for a medium to longterm outlook then i would say now is not such a bad time. if you are looking to buy and sell quickly, or if this money is for something that needs quick access then definitely no.

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