Reddit mentions of Market Wizards

Market Wizards by Jack Schwager: https://www.amazon.com/Market-Wizards-Jack-D-Schwager/dp/0887306101

Although none of these stories directly translate to modern markets, they teach the critical lessons that you must find your own way, and that you will pay your price in metaphorical blood to be successful. It's not enough just to hear those sentences to understand what is actually before you, but reading the stories of people who have made it can help get you closer.

Ultimately, the precise techniques and the knowledge aren't what makes the difference, it's your character. There are no books written that encompass what tomorrow's great traders will be doing, because tomorrow's great traders are in evolution right this moment.

The real bad thing with trading (which investing actually is, just longer term) is that there really is no place to go for a good advice.

If the OP doesn't have time to do the research, then I would recommend looking into some managed accounts or funds (and doing the research there - it still requires research work).

I trade differently from the parent, I'm a techie/quant (well I do some fundie stuff too) so depending on your history, I would look into different methods on how to trade. There are plenty.

Buy and hold is what some people praise, especially those newbie stock books but I really wouldn't like to advocate that approach but that's just me.

edit: As some people posted links, I'll post some good books - forums tend to be full of crap and it takes at least of 6 months (at least, possibly years) to be able to understand who know something and what really is somehing you should be reading so here are some great books:

This is an easy to read, good book for beginners in a form of a story

http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Currency-Trader-Trading-Courage/dp/0470049480


These two are must

http://www.amazon.com/Market-Wizards-Interviews-Top-Traders/dp/0887306101

http://www.amazon.com/New-Market-Wizards-Conversations-Americas/dp/1592803377


This is a real classic and still relevant

http://www.amazon.com/Reminiscences-Stock-Operator-Investment-Classics/dp/0471770884


This is good if you are interested in technical analysis/trading system design (and not too complicated)

http://www.amazon.com/Reminiscences-Stock-Operator-Investment-Classics/dp/0471770884

Advice: read The Market Wizards.