A new investor should first visit the local library and try to get various guides on personal finance. Issues relating to personal finance includes basis for a budget, sticking to the budget, saving money for an easy retirement life, major purchases, and managing the accrued finances properly.
New investors should go through newspapers such as Wall Street Journal, which will familiarize the reader with insurance, stocks, investments etc. through their Friday Column aptly named "Getting Going" by Jonathan Clement.
A new investor should not barge into the stock market based on any half-baked advice by close relatives or friends. For getting a proper idea about overall money management, study books such as The Intelligent Investor. For the sake of reference, this title is highlighted. If you browse in the bookstores or libraries, several other equally good guides might be available. Find more info at http://www.onestopinvestmentresource.info
If excess cash is available immediately and if you are still going through the learning process, without wasting time, you can put the excess money in a mutual fund or even the bank.
Even though this learning process appears to be a daunting chore, it is better than relying on professional money market advisors who will charge a hefty amount for guiding you in making money. Ultimately, you and you alone are responsible for your financial situation ? win win or no win.
Once a new investor gets a fair idea about personal finance management, further studies in mutual funds, stocks and bonds will be the next logical step.
A mutual fund is money pooled by a group of investors, which is used to buy stocks or bonds from various companies and strives to achieve a specified target of growth. Many mutual funds set 1000 dollars as the minimum initial investment money. A closed ended mutual fund is similar to a share issued by a company trading in the stock exchanges. It can be traded through a broker just like any other stocks. Open-ended mutual funds assure a fixed annual income without any surprises.
Some of the popular mutual funds are money-market funds, balanced funds, index funds, pure bond funds, pure stock funds and tax-free bond funds.
The next logical step or the parallel step is investments in stocks. A certain amount of guesswork is needed for buying and selling them. To get some knowledge about the risks involved, try to play the investment games online, which simulates the practice of selling and buying stocks without losing money or facing any risk. After thorough familiarisation, a first trade in stock with minimum investment can be tried.
There is a common misconception that surfers are laid-back dudes. While they may look the part, it is important to note that surfing is anything but laid-back. It takes a lot of skills and discipline to ride the perfect wave. But don't be discouraged if you're a beginner. Once you set your mind to it, surfing will come naturally for you. In fact, you will become so addicted to surfing, that it will be an art form in itself.
Surfers don't just get onto a surfboard and miraculously learn to ride the waves. They achieved this sort of skill with discipline, practice and a whole lot of determination. If you are a beginner, perhaps the first piece of advice you'll ever get is to learn not to be scared of the ocean. If you set your mind on conquering the seas with your trusty surfboard, then you've got the right outlook.
Before you begin your lessons, you have to make sure you're fully-equipped. It pays to be prepared, and nothing beats having the confidence to start because you know you've got everything you need with you.
The Beach
Of course you need to find the perfect beach with the perfect waves. And you have to pick your beaches wisely. You can't learn to surf if the waves are a dud. Nor can you get started if they are too big. So it's best to pick a beach with waters that are mild enough for beginners. In a perfect world, where there are no responsibilities and financial factors, you would opt to go surfing in Hawaii. The waters are wonderfully mild, the temperature is palmy. Alas, time and financial constrictions may prevent you from taking a trip to Hawaii regularly. Good thing Baja California in Mexico, is a really good alternative. In fact, the beaches at Baja are famous for being perfect surfing spots. Todos Santos is the most popular place in Baja, where the beaches are perfect for beginner and expert surfers. The white sand beaches are perfect for that grueling but enjoyable task of learning how to surf.
Your Surfboard
If you're a beginner, it is best to start with a beginner's surfboard. Many recommend a soft-Doyle surfboard for the first few times you go out surfing. Your goal is to get a surfboard with as much surface area as possible, so you can practice on your balancing skills better. Your first board should be wide, thick, round, floaty and soft. It should be 2 – 3 feet taller than you. The more you acquire your skills in surfing, then you can upgrade your surfboard to something a bit more compact, and made of fiberglass.
Your Attire
Surfing requires you to spend a vast amount of time in the water. It is important, therefore, to be comfortable. And if you're freezing your butt off, that means you're not comfortable. Invest in a good wetsuit. Decide on which suit to buy, depending on the temperatures of the waters where you will be surfing. Aside from warding off the cold, the wetsuit will also be helpful in preventing rashes to your body as you will rub against your board frequently.
Other Accessories
Make sure you get a leash that is the same length as your surfboard, so you won't lose your board all the time. For better traction, it is nice to have some wax around, though this is not a requirement. Now, try to find your guts and determination, and you're off to your first attempt at surfing!
In learning how to surf, one must always remember to practice. Do not attempt to learn how to stand on your board as soon as you hit the water. Try to get your balance first. Learn the feel of the board on your body. Communicate with the waters. Once you've gotten used to finding your balance, then you can proceed to learning how to sit on your surfboard. This isn't as easy as it looks because you would have to contend with the waves and your own balancing skills. Once you've perfected this, then you can learn to stand on your board.
Always surf with a partner, who is helpful, both as a spotter, and for safety purposes. Always remain calm, and you will go through less accidents. And finally, enjoy the experience. Though you may not be the most gifted surfer on the planet, savor the moment. After all, it is the closest thing you'll get to actually walking on water.
Both Anastasia Phocas & Megan Foster are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Anastasia Phocas has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Health and Eyewear. Anastasia Phocas is a proud contributing author. Find more articles . For more info visit. Anastasia Phocas's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
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