Making money in today’s world of job cuts, high rates of unemployment as well as underemployment, and the cost of living skyrocketing is beyond difficult. Saving money is virtually impossible, and investing money, for those who can afford that luxury, is risky, to say the least.

While there are plenty of people out there with a so-called knack for investing or blessed with a solid business acumen, making the right decision when it comes to where to invest your money goes further than simply having a gut-feeling over a company stock. Even the most-vetted and well-researched stocks are not a sure thing, and patience is often practiced with just as much efficiency as your ability to make a move either buying or selling a stock.

Whether you are conducting your own research, looking for advice online, or bringing in others for their personal or professional advice, move forward not with trepidation, but certainly with a measured amount of caution. This is especially important for first-time investors or those who should still consider themselves novices. The stock market is full of bulls and bears, but it is easy for investors to forget there are plenty of sharks out there as well. Learning how to avoid these volatile and dangerous forms of investing, including penny stocks, heavy involvement with stock options or futures, and trading foreign currency all qualify as “sharks” and are best left to people with experience or a background in trades like these, or those with the financial wherewithal to absorb a heavy loss. In addition, because stocks like these are typically high-risk, new investors may not have time to monitor the nuances or commit the amount of time necessary to see these types of investments all the way through.

If a bad economy has not taught us the importance of hard work and the worth of a dollar, investing in the stock market certainly will. As a new investor, you may not want to go it alone, which is a natural and responsible idea no matter what the topic is. Some of us may choose to hire a financial planner, and others may choose to consult a certified public accountant. CPA’s meet all the requirements and experiences for the state they work in, and also are able to provide input and insight when making investment decisions. However, if you do decide to seek out a CPA for financial advice, always make sure to check that he or she has the proper accreditations, including training and licensing before you have a conversation regarding making investments. The last thing a new or novice investor needs is having to become versed in the way the legal system works because they wanted to learn about investing.

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