You do what you think is a basic search for basic Investing principles and guidelines and you may very well be overwhelmed with the amount of information that you try to sift through.
It may also seem like there are more rules and regulations on how to invest as there are on what not to do when you are trying to earn more on your money.
Take a deep breath, sit back, and do not worry about every detail.
Getting the broad scope on the money market may be all you need to make your first deposit on investment.
The first rule of thumb is that you should not use Investing as a way to make money overnight.
As a matter of fact plan to not even look at your money for awhile as this simple obsessive compulsive trait may have you questioning why you thought your money would grow in the stock market in the first place.
Do you have the spare money to invest? Then consider it spent when you place it in a stock and don't bother worrying about its daily activities.
Secondly, when do you plan to use the money you are Investing? Do you have a short term, middle of the road, or long term plan for this money? What you invest in depends on when you are going to need the money? Are you saving up for a first house or are you saving for retirement.
Know what your goals are with the money so that you can place the money in the funds that will work accordingly to your schedule.
Once you have worked well with the first two bits of advice, then consider taking the next step in investing.
If you have developed a thicker skin and are not prone to watching your stocks gain and lose money possibly on a daily basis then maybe you are ready for a risky challenge like on line trading or stocks..
If you still worry, then stick with the safer bet like mutual funds and hold.
Investing is good for everybody but not everybody knows how to invest.
Do not get overwhelmed with the rules and consider whatever you are willing to risk.
Sticking to what makes you comfortable will be the only way it is worth it on the bigger challenges.