Glen Bradford's Investing Hub

Start by opening a brokerage account with a low-cost provider like Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard. Begin with a broad market index fund like a total stock market ETF. Invest consistently, and focus on learning the basics: what stocks and bonds are, how compound interest works, and why time in the market beats timing the market.

Value investing involves buying securities trading below their intrinsic value. Popularized by Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett, it focuses on fundamental analysis: studying financial statements, understanding the business, and calculating what a company is actually worth versus what the market prices it at.

The best free tools include compound interest calculators, retirement calculators, investment fee calculators, stock return calculators, and net worth trackers. Many brokerages also offer free research tools, screeners, and educational content.

The GSE thesis is the investment case for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock. These companies were placed in conservatorship in 2008. The thesis argues that as the conservatorship is resolved, the preferred shares could return to par value, representing significant upside.

For most people, self-directed investing in low-cost index funds outperforms advisor-managed portfolios after fees. A 1% annual fee costs hundreds of thousands over 30 years compared to a 0.03% index fund. However, advisors provide value for complex situations like estate planning and tax optimization.

Research suggests 20-30 stocks across sectors provides sufficient diversification. However, many successful investors hold fewer positions. The simplest approach for most investors is one or two broad index funds, which provide instant diversification across hundreds of companies.