And with advent of Internet, stock advice can be found most anywhere at touch of a keyboard. Most advice is at no cost. Many software programs have also been designed to help take guesswork out of stock trading and these can be downloaded to your computer.

Although everyone you know may have their two cents worth to add to your stock decision making, finding really excellent stock advice can often be elusive and even downright expensive. That's why it is important to investigate and compare investment firms themselves, ask right questions and seeking out those who have established track records, can put you on road to success early and often. Whether current market trend is bullish or bearish, there are opportunities out there to make it profitable for you. Think long term, not short term (especially, if you are starting at a young age) and market will provide you with success.

Alton S. Shermand is enthusiastic about Stocks and is the originator of All About Stocks

“When it comes to Child Trust Funds, there is not a lot in it: most of cash-based accounts offer broadly similar interest rates. But for ordinary High Street children’s accounts, parents are best advised to avoid gimmicky marketing such as free piggy banks, and focus on what really matters – interest rate.”

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Three of most attractive children’s savings accounts: * Scarborough BS: Children’s Savings Bonds 5.75 per cent – Age 0 to 18 – min dep £5 – max £5000 * Chelsea BS: Ready Steady Save – 5.10 per cent Age 0 to 15 – min dep £1 – max £5,000, instant access * Halifax: Save4it –5.05 per cent - Age 0 to 16 – min £1 – max £5,000 - instant access

Three of least attractive: * Norwich & Peterborough BS: Easy Plus Account 2.25 per cent - Age 0 to 23, min £1 max £4,999 * Universal BS: Young Savers 3.40 per cent - Age 0 to 16 – 3.40% - minimum £ 1 - max £10,000 – instant access * National Savings – Children’s Bonus Bonds 4.10 per cent Age 0 to 16, five yr term – min £24 – max £3,000

And best Child Trust Fund: Britannia BS – Child Trust Fund – 6.00 per cent - minimum £250 voucher from Govt - £1200 maximum can be paid in each year. Rate includes a bonus of 1.25% for 2 years. No withdrawals allowed until child reaches age of 18.

Source: http://www.moneynet.co.uk/, June 3, 2005

About Moneynet.co.uk

Moneynet.co.uk is the UK’s most established personal finance research and data website. The company offers consumers a wide range of low cost financial products: from mortgages and personal loans; to car, home and medical insurance; credit cards; savings accounts and best-buy fixed rate products.