BI > APRIL 2004

Investing the NAIC Way for Beginners

CompuFest 2004's Newbie Program

If you're a new investor, or new to NAIC, and you want to learn the NAIC methodology and how to use some of the association's computerized tools, the CompuFest 2004 Newbie Program is for you. The Newbie Program at this year's CompuFest is a special offering designed for those who are new to investing the NAIC way.

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Building Investment Knowledge: The diverse and beautiful architectural styles of St. Louis, host of this year's CompuFest, are evident in the downtown skyline, seen here behind the Gateway Arch.

The Newbie Program is a comprehensive program taught by some of the best instructors the event has to offer. It begins Friday afternoon (June 18) and runs through Saturday. The conference, being held this year in St. Louis, continues through Sunday (see www.compufest2004.com).

The program initially focuses on concepts of investing the NAIC way and the Stock Selection Guide, the fundamental NAIC tool that's an aid in the study of potential stocks. Louise Sechler will guide students through investing concepts and terms they should know. Marvin Eargle will introduce and explain the SSG. Mary Ann Davis then will discuss the use of judgment to make the SSG a more meaningful tool.

The program continues with students doing computerized SSGs. Gretchen Hurt will introduce and demonstrate features of NAIC Classic Plus, an SSG program that provides a step-by-step guide through the SSG. This will be followed by a hands-on lab session led by Bill Skelly during which students will have an opportunity to practice what they have learned. Knowledgeable tutors will be available to assist students as needed.

Newbie students will learn about other NAIC stock study tools as well. Ann Cuneaz will demonstrate how to use NAIC's Online Premium Services (OPS) and the Web in conjunction with NAIC Classic Plus and SSG studies. The Stock Comparison Guide, the next step after doing SSGs, will be presented by Jerry Addleman. Seymour Zeenkov will show students how to design a basic portfolio that has reduced risk.

The CompuFest 2004 Newbie Program builds on the sold-out program at CompuFest 2003. Some comments from last year's Newbie Program were:

"This was the best thing that has happened to me concerning investing education."

"I'm so excited about all I've learned. I can't wait to get home and go to work."

The CompuFest 2004 Newbie Program is designed as a two-day program so that on Sunday participants can hear other speakers or spend more time in the lab. Enrollment is limited.

If you or someone you know is a new investor and would like to register for the Newbie Program, check the enrollment box on the CompuFest 2004 registration form (go to the online registration site). There's no additional charge for this program. You'll be notified if you registered early enough to get into the Newbie Program.

Dana Garoutte is a director of the BetterInvesting Houston Chapter and a past officer and director of the Chicago West Chapter. She has been affiliated with BetterInvesting since 1985 and has been a member of three investment clubs. She is currently a member of the Coldspring Blue Chips (Texas). Dana retired after almost 20 years in telecommunications software development and management. She has an MS Degree in Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology,