I decided to look into a couple of penny stocks. So I set up a little portfolio on google finance to see how it would fair out had I actually invested in these particular stocks.

I started this last week. After 7 days, I can say that if I had invested the $200 in the stocks I am looking at, I would be $13.46 richer.

Going to keep following them to see how they do.

This was something we did back in high school for one semester of my business math class. Had I invested the $1000 of real money in the stocks I picked, I ould have tripled my money.

This is me not playing the stock market.

I do the same thing. I never invest more than I care to lose, except for what my brother (who died and left some to me) invested in conservative mutual funds which have gained and as I don't work, I love having a "nest egg". It's fun right now. (I have no bad losses and good gains) If things change, we'll see how fun this is! Made it through the recession, so have hopes.

At this point, invest only gains, so my would be losses are "found money". This way I never lose sleep over market.

To me, it is like the lottery. If I played with real money, I would probabaly lose. But fake money andjust seeinghow it does and I do great. LOL Actually, I am considering buying some tiny shares in a couple of the companies I am currently watching. But like you said, only put in that which you expect to lose. Consider it money spent and gone and when you get a profit return you can be happy.

I don't drink, don't smoke, really don't spend much. I'm really kind of cheap. Am excited by gains, not too concerned at losses.When SSDI gave me money for kids, I put directly into 529s and let them invest it. Only way I consistently saved. Now both of twins in college, glad I did (No, it's not enough for everything). In today's world, I advocate IRA's (Roth or regular) or 201Ks of any amount. We'll get no pensions. DH and I'll get SS, but younger people may not. The future always show up!

My father in law did extremely well over the years in conservative mutual funds.
The next generation will have to do something to provide for their own retirement because pensions will be a thing of the past (unless you work for the government)

The stock market made my StepFather-in-law and his Brother both Millionaires. Too bad he wasn't blood, but he did leave us a little itty bit. Most of it went to charitys, schools, churches...BAHHHHH!!

And today I would be ahead $20. Which means a 10% profit. I think I may very well invest a little in a few months. Going to keep watching though.

The stock markets have been moderately good to us, but ya gotta play them a little. Like buy an S&P 500 index fund when the index drops below 800 and sell when it gets alot higher. But beware:

S&P 500 index April 1999: 1361
S&P 500 index right now: 1346

Not a very good long term thing.

Tom

I am an investor, and I have done pretty well thru the years. its work if you want to sit on it yourself and watch it go up and down, but once you reach a certain level, you can pay someone else to manage it for you. I love the penny stocks, its a great deal of fun.

Yeah and much of that is a thing of the past also. I get a very nice match on a 401K but no pension.