[maxtower]

10 hours a month is not nearly enough time. You are better off in an index fund. Time isn't the only reason a lot of smart people with analytical minds don't buy individual stocks. There is also a lot more risk. An investor who picks stocks will really need to concentrate his portfolio to maximize the gains. This could mean anywhere from 7-20? positions. There is a lot less risk in holding hundreds of stocks through an index fund. If you pick individual stocks, it only takes one or two flawed ideas to blow your year. I don't gamble with my retirement.