Do this when thinking about investing in a stock

By Jeffrey Cohen, Investment Advisor Representative
April 28, 2022

Stocks reflect company valuations & significant information. Companies report important info to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Start here when looking to buy a stock. 4 easy steps:

1. Type "sec edgar search" in browser

2. Type ticker symbol into search bar

3. Select a filing (usually about 1 x month)

4. Read & think about it. Could create a spreadsheet to come back to.

Years ago I read a quote by a younger Jim Cramer who said that picking and holding stocks is a full time job for professional investment analysts.  He recommended spending 1 hour / week per stock you hold.  This is one great way to spend that hour, along with browser web searches on their key products, jobs posted, and company information. We also suggest listening to earnings calls and reading earnings call transcripts.

For those, like us in the past, who don't have time for this, the best thing to do is to hold a passive fund that is widely diversified, like the S&P 500 Index ETF ($SPY).