Dear Stray15,
Seems like you've got an interesting thread going here?
I would imagine with all these expensive cars these men have for toys; you could get some great advise!
From the format of your questions my first advice to you would be to get yourself educated!
"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" is a good book that will stimulate most unprofessional investors. (We gave them out for Christmas presents 2 years ago) Believe me, there is alot more to it and all you have to do to find out is read the following sequences of books by Kiyosaki.... Guide to Investing, Cash Flow Quadrant & Real Estate Riches. These books are much more in depth. Most large brokerage companies offer evening courses in Stock trading too which are very affordable as they are a promo to their services as brokers.
(You know why they call them brokers?
'cause you're broker after you've met them!)
Also Hume Publishing offers a very in depth 30 steps or so series of correspondence courses, these are very good for learning investment strategies.
As far as help, like a brokerage firm or investment manager, it's my opinion that you'll never find a good one who isn't already booked full with clients. You're taking a big risk and the term broker may become reality for you? So ask for referals from people who are doing well in trading already. Most agents will take on a new client with a referal from an already established client. Call up someone successful, some presidents of Oil companies, etc. and ask them who they use? Could you get a referal? Most successful people are always willing to help others become so. Be careful to interview people and find the right match; the courses I mentioned will also teach you how to self direct your investments at a much reduced commission.
(Success? What's your definition of it?)
Next, I strongly recommend that you find a mentor - someone you can model after, seek advice from, etc. Your mentor should be a role model in his lifestyle. Financial success isn't that hard to achieve? True success includes a balance in life - called Lifestyle! Find a mentor who has a good family life, loves his wife and children, treats others with respect and consideration, has a good balance with health, spiritual and finance. Life is a journey not a destination .... you can design your lifestyle, just educate yourself, set goals and never give up! (Note these are things that I define with success; you'll need to find a mentor who has the things you define as successful)
Become a people person: Successful people usually have very good people skills: Read "How to win friends and influence people" and "Personality Tree" to get a good start; a must read for every leader. Remember, If you lead but nobody follows, then you are merely taking a walk? (John Maxwell is also one of my favorite authors on the subject of Leadership- excellent stuff!)
As for myself, I now have true success! I spend more time with my wife and family than any person I know. I love my wife and she is my best friend. (Good relationships also take work and effort) I have 5 children, all whom I'm proud of. My investments are more towards things that will also provide us with enjoyment today and in the future. We have a beautiful home in the Okanagan area of BC, with swimming pool, decks and hot tub and dozens of mature trees, we overlook a beautiful lake. Our cabin on the lake has appreciated like mad in value, located in Blind Bay of the Shuswap Lake and our condo at Siver Star Mountain Resort offers the very best family time we have ever had, while also appreciating.
As for stocks, you can have 'em and the gray hair that goes with 'em too!
I have owned and operated over 30 rental units at one time
I have had invested over $100,000 in the stock market
I have been President of a multi-million dollar company
I have had over a Million dollars in cash in the bank (age 30)
There is NO get rich quick plan out there.... it's alot of work!
Get educated first, Get balanced and stay balanced, success will come. (Part of your education should include your definition of the word: Success?)
Oh yeah, and my Porsche? Well, if there ever was a car that was an investment, Porsche would be on the list.
Hope this helps........ get yourself a Chapters membership card and fall in love with reading! Leaders are Readers!
A shot of one of my later investments:
all the best,
Cheers!