A Reader Writes: "What would be some stocks that I could fall into?"
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice. As always, please remember that I am truly an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.

I always enjoy getting mail and questions from readers. For me, it makes the whole writing about stocks more interesting. Unfortunately, I am not qualified to give individual advice to anyone. So when I received this letter, I knew I couldn't and shouldn't answer specifics, but let me try to answer the question with some general thoughts about investing.

The email:

Hello Bob,

My name is Long P---, I am currently living and working in Baton Rouge for E-911 service restoration for all wireless carriers. Honest to say, I would like to take a chance to find a nitch in stock investment during this period of time.

What would be some stocks that I should fall into? BMHC?

You are alway said on your blog that "I am an amateur with stocks" but I believe that you could lead me a good way. I want to take an opportunity to be sucess in life and helping other during their down time.

Best regards

Long J. P---

Well Long, that you so much for writing. I really am an amateur investor. I am not a certified financial advisor or any such thing. I just like to pick stocks and talk about them. There are literally hundreds of stocks on the blog that I review, and if you go through some of them, I am sure you may find stocks that fit your particular interests.

Thank you for working in Baton Rouge helping get New Orleans back on E-911 service. Needless to say, that is very important work and much needed for all of the hurricane victims.

I really cannot tell you which stock to invest in, basically because I really don't know. I suspect that stocks that are involved in construction, whether it be a cement manufacturer, a lumber stock, a building supply firm, or the like, will find their products and services in great demand.

My own strategy of picking stocks is to let the stocks come to me rather than chasing after stocks which I figure ought to do well! I can only suggest that you consider doing the same.

As you may know, if you read my blog, I start with the top % gainers of the day. I use CNN Money website to find this, but this is available on USA Today and elsewhere. After that I go to Yahoo and research the latest quarter. I don't do anything complicated, I just see if their revenue and their earnings are positive and growing. Next to Morningstar where I look at revenue and earnings, as well as free cash flow (I insist it be positive and growing if possible), the balance sheet, and some key statistics. If everything looks good, well then I take the plunge.

I like to sell my losing stocks quickly and then slowly sell my gaining stocks, selling 1/4 of my remaining positions at specified gain points. Internally in the portfolio, I use a sale at a gain as a "good news signal" that enables me to add a position (up to my maximum # of positions which is now 25), and use a sale at a loss or on bad news as a "bad news signal" which directs me to "sit on my hands", that is, avoid reinvesting proceeds of stocks that were recently sold under less than ideal circumstances.

That's about it.

I don't have any magic about what I do. Lots of old-fashioned 'elbow grease' as my mother would like to say. Just do my homework, remain skeptical, and be quick to act.

Good luck and thank you from all of us for your work in getting New Orleans, the "Big Easy" back on its feet!

Bob