Investing for beginners?

what's a good book for someone that is new, and i mean totaly green to the stock market and retirement planning idea? one that will teach and explain things in a dumb down nature for morons such as myself. basicaly everything from a to b. i glanced at a few books but they all seem to jump right into the idea that i know a little about the market when i don't know a thing? one that will help me decide on what ti buy for retirement and even short term earnings as well. but the basics first, baby steps....

Hi Chuck,
Depending on your age and how much you can invest over time is an important factor. Consider mutual funds; there are funds with very low fees -- this way you will have professional management. It is important to get on different sites to ask you questions, but be more specific as to how many years to retirement and how much money you can put to work. Two sites that are good are www.moneyrec.com and morningstar.com. Morningstar has a free board to ask questions, but for anything else it is a pay site. Moneyrec is a new community site and it is designed specifically with people like you in mind. It is free.
Good luck-- you will get some good advice if you keep pursuing. Remember, just ask what to buy and give your info-- it is as simple as that.
Regards,

Bunny

The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape

This is the best book I ever read. It is written by an Australian accountant for young people, and it explains everything. It is a great starting book.

You can find all the basic info you need on websites for free.
This site should give you the baby steps you need.
http://finance.yahoo.com/education

Here are my favorite sites.

http://stockcharts.com/
Has basically all you need from fundamental to technical terms. Plus stock screens, charts, public chart lists, and much more useful info.

https://www.fidelity.com/
Has good learning resources.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/home.asp
In addtion to yahoo finance.

http://www.reuters.com/
For news and more.

http://www.marketwatch.com/default.aspx
For news and more.

http://www.valueprime.com/index.php
For rating stock risk/reward ratio and reports.

http://www.barchart.com/
For investing in more than stocks.

http://www.lightninglive.com/
For best software timing your entry/exits any time frame for day traders and long term investors.

Others worth exploring.
http://www.equis.com/
http://www.stockta.com/
http://www.secform4.com/

Best Wishes,
Burt Whitley

"Investing For Dummies" - a great intro, easy to read and written with a touch of humor.