You're a conservative, aren't you?

Yep. Which is why all portfolios are different. My granddaughter's education fund, that she won't be able to touch for another 15 years, is far, far different than any other I manage. It's the long bet.

1) Don't look online for info online - unless it's from an independent professional who isn't getting paid to sell you stocks. Most are you know? If you do want independent online info, you'll have to pay for it.

2) Do your research on the management of the company you want to buy.

3) Don't slam those bank doors behind you if you decide to leave one. They'll still talk to you and send you their research. They do want you back.

4) Talk to real (hopefully successful) people about what you're doing.

5) Walk. If you want to buy Apple shares, walk into one of their stores, see if it looks busy, watch what people are looking at and buying.

Make the bet.