Stocks

[Gator]

So in light of all the stock market stuff, I hear you can buy really good stock for cheap right now. I have some extra cash laying around and I'm thinking of buying up some stock. One question....how do I go about it? Where do you buy stocks? I've never done this before but I guess this is the time to buy up. Should I check out something like Ameritrade?

[cheval]

I just now heard this on the news!! I hope someone answers this too becaue I know I am sure interested.

I've heard quite a bit about Ameritrade too, but how does one know which stocks to buy? I'm thinking I remember something about company profiles on Ameritrade where they forecast the stocks or something?

I really really need to get my crap in gear and start focusing on my retirement. I'm 40 and I can't believe I never started before now.