The first thing to remember is you should never risk anything that you cannot lose
. If an investment could mean you lose your house or any other form of property it is not worth the risk. A responsible broker should make that clear.
One advantage with brokers on the internet is that they can often charge less than their office based counterparts. This largely due to the fact they will usually have fewer overheads and therefore can offer lower commission rates. These are often known as discount brokers for this very reason.
Like any service you should compare what is available on the market to see what is best for your individual needs. Ask a broker for their recommendations about what is right for you and your financial situation. What they should not do is offer anything and suggest that it is a guaranteed success. No broker can offer this honestly so be wary of this.
Most brokers will advise you to spread the risk with a variety of investments over a wide portfolio. For example they may suggest a lower risk stock alongside the more volatile markets of the forex currency account. Equally they could suggest to put an amount aside in a cash free ISA available from either a high street bank or an internet based bank.
When contacting a website about a possible investment make sure the connection is secure. You can usually tell this from a padlock symbol marked next to it. Make sure you are aware of their privacy policy as you do not want details passed on to unknown third parties. It should also be remembered that any company can buy a domain name, so approach any investment website with caution.
If you are still unsure if Online Investment is right for you then it may be better to go on a training course or use software to create a virtual account. This will give you the chance to get used to different types of investing without the pressure of potential losing money. Over time this will help you become more confident. For more advice speak to an independent financial advisor.