Tips on Investing

Consider carefully your investment strategy, such as the risks and long-term returns.
Verify through your own independent research all investment decision. Don't rely entirely on the advice of any single individual.
Keep in mind that the individuals touting a stock may be company insiders or paid promoters who stand to profit at your expense.
Determine if an analyst's firm has underwritten a recent stock offering by read the stock's prospectus. Some prospectus' can be found online with the Security and Exchange's EDGAR database. Go to www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
When you invest with a securities brokerage firm, ask for: information about the person handling your account and the firm itself; complete information about the risks, obligations and costs of any investment; and recommendations consistent with your financial needs and investment objectives.
Be sure to get the following information from your broker: copies of completed account forms, agreements, and statements; and complete information about commissions, sales charges, penalties, maintenance or service charges and transaction or redemption fees.
Research whether a brokerage firm or sales agent has been disciplined by regulators or criminal authorities by contacting the Attorney General's office or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. at (800) 289-9999.
Ask if a brokerage firm is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which provides limited customer protection if a brokerage firm becomes insolvent.
For more helpful tips on understanding investing, go to the Attorney General's web site at www.ag.ny.gov.