Are you ready for the stock market? What is the stock market? ; A look back at the stock market ; Are stocks right for you? ; Defining your goals and time frame -- What kind of investor are you? Assessing your investor style ; Trading vs. investing ; Finding the right kind of stock ; Understanding mutual funds ; Exchange traded funds ; Diversifying your stock portfolio -- Getting started: one step at a time ; Finding the right market ; Look closely before you buy ; Now comes the financial stuff -- The mechanics of investing. Investing with a broker ; How to buy and sell stocks yourself ; Buying outside of the box ; Trading strategies ; Strategies for good and bad times -- How are you doing? Assessing your performance ; Cutting your losses ; Tax considerations ; Considering an investment club.