This is something I've always wanted to do (transition from simply having a 401k to managing my own stocks) but I'm not sure where to start. I'm assuming that I have the brain power to do this: I have an engineering degree and I can solve a Rubik's cube, but I feel totally lost when it comes to the markets.

So what would you recommend as a good starting point for people like me?

My girlfriend's 401K almost doubled in the past 6 months...pretty weird huh? But that's after losing a great deal before that.

Last quarter was a really good one for my 401k too, with the YTD actually going positive. So far, this quarter is looking just as good.

>> ^garmachi:
This is something I've always wanted to do (transition from simply having a 401k to managing my own stocks) but I'm not sure where to start. I'm assuming that I have the brain power to do this: I have an engineering degree and I can solve a Rubik's cube, but I feel totally lost when it comes to the markets.
So what would you recommend as a good starting point for people like me?


XKCD had an awesome comic about that mindset...

I always wet my panties when I see a big tough guy
Who can make me a lot of money
If only I would give him my
My money
He works so hard
Pushing paper on his desk
Laughing at the right jokes
A true trail blazer
Pushing the envelope, with an inside secret
That everybody knows
But you