Mediaboss Marketing

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire -03/22/12)- (Family Features) Investor optimism has steadily climbed since 2006, and more investors are managing their own investment portfolios, according to a recent study from investing firm Scottrade, Inc.

"Investors and traders are seeing the opportunities in the market, and they are able to take action," said Kim Wells, Scottrade's executive director of product development and chief marketing officer. "More resources and online trading tools are available to help them find openings to build their portfolios and reach financial success."

For the growing number of self-directed investors entering the market, here are three steps to take to manage a portfolio.

Gauge Accessibility NeedsThose who self-direct their investments tend to check their portfolio and log into their accounts more frequently. According to a survey commissioned by investing firm Scottrade, Inc., most investors (59 percent) check their investments at least once a week and a quarter of them log in on a monthly basis.

Every investor and trader has different needs, and it's important to identify how to interact with the investment company.

By prioritizing needs and comparing the various offerings at investment firms, self-directed investors will be better equipped to find the right firm with which to partner.

Research Your ResourcesExplore an investment firm's online resources. Whether pre- or post-log in, most online research tools, such as those at Scottrade, are available free of charge. More than one-third of investors say they taught themselves how to invest by using online investment education tools.

Set ExpectationsMany find investing fun with general optimism among investors reaching a three-year high, according to the Scottrade study. Self-directed investors' confidence has strengthened as the Internet has made information about the markets, rules and guidelines more accessible.

Yet while online trading saves investors and traders time and money, it does not take the homework out of making investment decisions. Before making a trade, investors need to understand the risks of each investment and the goals of their portfolios.

With the right tools at hand and by partnering with a reputable investment firm that meets individual needs, self-directed investors can take charge of their investments with confidence. To learn more about self-directed investing, visit http://www.scottrade.com and find more information on the Scottrade 2011 American Investor Study.

Read more from the original source:
Three Steps to Taking Control of Your Investments