Investing is a complex field of study involving knowledge of a myriad of investment vehicles, terms, concepts, strategies and processes. In the practical world of investing that study is best accompanied by training and experience. The lifetime pursuit of financial goals allows for few short cuts in this area. However, since the very beginning of the U.S. stock market there have always been some individuals who have attempted to trade stocks actively in order to capture more profits than losses and hopefully produce a net gain.

For most of stock market history, execution of trades could be accomplished for most investors only through the services of a stockbroker. In the last couple of decades with technological and regulatory advancements, execution of trades has been made accessible to individuals themselves through discount brokers and on-line trading firms. Unfortunately, some individuals have confused the ability to execute a transaction with the ability to effectively manage their investable assets. Some one who has the knowledge, training and experience to perform financial planning without the aid of a financial planner does not necessarily need a planner, advisor or broker to execute a stock trade. However, being able to execute a stock trade in no way lessons the importance of knowledge, training and experience in the lifetime pursuit of financial goals.