If not, then you can boost your confidence by taking advantage of the online tutorials offered by most discount brokerages. (moneysense.ca)
For certain types of transactions, like short sales or advanced options trades, a margin account is a requirement at most discount brokerages. (sparxtrading.com)
But with most discount brokers charging $ 10 per trade or less, you wouldn't expect to spend more than $ 500 to put together a well - diversified portfolio. (fool.com)