Start A Portfolio With Just $100

Sat., Aug. 24, 1996

Washington Post

What can a novice investor do with just $100? Start a two-stock portfolio without paying brokerage commissions.

Charles Carlson, an expert on the 129 companies that now allow investors to buy stock directly (he calls these “no-load” stocks), recommends Johnson Controls Inc. (414-228-2363), which makes auto seats and climate-control systems, and Wisconsin Energy Corp. (1-800-558-9663), a utility with a 5.5 percent dividend.

Each allows investors to make initial stock purchases of just $50. No-load stocks with $250 minimums include: Exxon (1-800-252-1800), Sony (1-800-711-6475) and Wal-Mart (1-800-438-6278).

Carlson, who edits the No-Load Stock Insider (219-852-3230), also publishes a directory of such stocks, plus hundreds more that allow you to take dividends in stock rather than cash.

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Start A Portfolio With Just $100

Jesse Tinsley

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Molly Quinn

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