Investing research software

[SoCalZX2]

I plan on starting to really get into investing by the end of next year. Lisa and I have about 14.5k left in debt and want to save up about 10k (for emergencies) prior to really getting into investing.

Now I'll probably (instead of saving then investing) will do 1/2 and 1/2. I.E. 500/mo into ROTH and 500/mo into our ING savings account as our emergency fund.

I'm not interested in doing single stock investing, but I'm REALLY interested in doing mutual fund investing. I'd rather be diversified and still get a decent / above average return.

Currently for 2008 you can put 5k/yr into ROTH, so after I hit the 5k mark on my roth we'd put the remaining money into a ROTH for my wife (even when she comes home to be a SAHM we can have one for her w/o an earned income).

So I'm looking for some good software for researching and comparing funds. Not only the software, but what firms have you guys looked into / started investing with?

Any books worth reading to get me started? I just want to be ahead of the game when we start really investing past my 401k for retirement.

Thanks!

[rlbzx2]

SoCal - Sounds like you have your ducks in a row a good plan of action. I am sort of trying a similar path, but with the student loans that I have on my back and I can't seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Not to mention, the small addiction of working on our cars doesn't seem to help either. :)

I'm def not a financial advisor but I guess there is no harm in giving my $.02. I spent a ton of time on this website, "www.bankrate.com" It has a bunch of easy to understand sections in regards to any financial sector that you may want to get your hands dirty in. I started to do day trading for a little while. I should say not full blown day trading, but just picking out a few specific stocks and watching their movements, selling them, and moving on to something else. I am in the process of finishing up the 3rd Jim Cramer book that I have. Not sure if you know who he is, but he is that lunatic that is just screaming on the tv all the time on MSNBC. Google him...I'm sure you will recognize his face.

I also read an interesting book by this guy named Robert T Kiyosak. The book is called, Rich Dad Poor Dad. It's not say 100% investing, but it talks more along the thought pattern someone who wants to be successful in anything they want to do, and compares the thought processess of his own father, compared to his friends father. Really good book to read...and the author also has a few others out, but I have not had the chance to hit up B&N and some of his others.

Well...I hope that helps. Take it easy man, and good luck!

[koihoshi]

Might I add if you're willing to buy it and install it...

MICROSOFT MONEY is amazing.

Your bank /might/ charge you a small fee to use the login but it's like $4 a month usually. Either way that's PRICELESS.

[SoCalZX2]

WHy do you say MM? I use quicken right now and love it.