Investopedia.Com: Practice Investing in Stocks for Free

With all the problems surrounding the dismal stock market, the idea of investing in stocks in today's market can be daunting, especially for new or inexperienced investors. If you are a new investor scared to pony up hard earned savings just to have them tumble down the market toilet, then consider Investopedia.com as an alternative.

Investopedia.com is an investment website that allows investors to pretend or "play" at the stock market, practicing buying and selling stocks before actually ponying up real cash. Imagine playing fantasy football, but for stocks. Join a game and compete against other investors, or start a game and invite your friends to challenge you for the best quarter! This is a way for you to get real experience, to learn the ropes, and feel comfortable in the stock market world without any of the repercussions or stress of a down market.

Investopedia's site gives you 100,000 dollars of seed money that allows you to "buy" stock just like the big boys. Heard a hot stock tip? Do you spend time pouring over companies' financials or watch Mad Money with Jim Cramer religiously? Here's a way for you to test the theories that you've heard to see if the advice you have received is credible or a good investment for you.

Investopedia easily keeps track of all the stock shares you buy. After you log in, there is an easy to read screen that displays your shares and the price you bought them for. Don't forget about having to "pay" steep commissions! Easily keep track of your stocks' current price and your running total profits or loses for that day or session. If you don't like the way your stock is performing, use your available funds to branch out and buy in different sectors. Letting go of certain stocks and "cutting your losses" may come much easier since you have no real money involved!

Investopedia also has tutorials and information for beginners or anyone else seeking help in these dark times. Sign up for a daily e-mail that helps explain investing terms and tries to make sense of stocks to investment newbies. Investopeida.com gathers a ton of good information into one comprehensive location easily navigated by any person looking for help with their investment goals.

Don't stress about losing money in the market, and don't be too scared to jump in. Success in any avenue is all about knowledge and feeling comfortable, so practice for free until you are ready to step up!