How to Join the Stock Market

Determine how much you're willing to invest. Find a balance between what you might be willing to lose and how much you would potentially like to make. Consider that with diversification and the 10 percent average growth per year, in the long run you'll come out ahead.
Educate yourself on the market to decide on companies to invest in. It's better to stay in the stock market for a long term rather than simply for short-term profits. Pick large, stable, growing companies to start. Keep an eye on the big picture and look at the long-term growth patterns of these companies. Consider investing in big companies in several sectors. The more diversification in a portfolio, the safer it is.
Find a broker that fits your needs. This can be either an investment broker, which helps you make decisions, or a discount broker, which offers no advice but has a less expensive price. Ensure that the amount you have to invest meets the minimum required by the broker.
Keep an eye on your investments. Be smart about them, however. Don't simply be a trader; be an investor. While in the short run stock numbers can go down, in the long run they most likely will grow.

How to Check Your Stock

Locate the initial order you placed for your stock. It will show a breakdown of the price you paid per share.
Look up the ticker symbol for your stock. It may be printed on your initial order, however you can also look it up at any financial services website, or simply google the company name.
Look up the current stock price by visiting one of the sites in the resource section, or by looking in a current newspaper. Locate the ticker symbol in the column, and scan over to the current stock price.
Once you have located the current stock price, subtract the current price from the price you paid. This number is your total amount of profit or loss per share.
If you use a financial broker who handles all of your stock purchases, you can contact them directly to have an updated financial statement sent to you immediately—either through postal mail, express delivery or by email.

How to Fill Out a Stock Transfer Statement (4 Steps)

Complete the personal information section of the stock transfer form. Enter your name exactly as it appears on the brokerage statement. For instance, if the shares are registered to James A. Smith, use that full name instead of simply Jim Smith. Also complete your address, phone number and social security or taxpayer ID.
Enter complete information for the recipient of the shares. If you are donating the stock to a charity, provide the complete name of the organization. Enter the taxpayer ID or social security number of the individual or entity receiving the stock.
Take the completed stock transfer form, and a copy of your brokerage statement, to a financial institution that can provide a medallion stamp. Most banks, credit unions and brokerage firms can provide this stamp, but it pays to call and ask before heading out. Sign the transfer form in the presence of the individual providing the stamp. If the stock is jointly owned, both owners must sign the form.
Copy the entire transfer form and keep the copy for your records. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form.