Stock question

[Aliceacc]

I was thinking of getting each of my kids a single share of Disney stock as a Christmas gift...putting it into a binder and then maybe doing it again for birthdays and in the future... letting them choose, within reason, the companies in which they would like to invest.

There are a number of companies that will sell a single share and send you a certificate. While most want to sell you a $40 frame, there are a few who will just send the certificate.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Any companies to suggest or warn me of? Any time when the price would normally drop to a good price?

 

[java]

Former broker, no longer licensed, so an unofficial educated guess.

You will pay a premium if you are just buying one share for the certificate( which isn't as cute as it used to be) almost $40 above to start. "processing fee"

My personal opinion it's ridiculous. The share is around $65 now. I would rather have 2 shares vs. 1 in a frame. I hope someone else can help with how to get one share with a certificate cheap .

As for the stock price, I know the put volume has increased( meaning traders are betting the price is going down) Disney has combated this by saying they will buy up some shares. (trying to keep the stock price afloat)


I have my own opinion on that, but since I am no longer trading I'll let you decide if that's something you are comfortable with or not.

They will report earnings sometime early November.
Good luck and happy investing!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) As mentioned by java, a single share of any stock is a bad investment.
2) In fact, a terrible investment.
3) If you want to by a framed share as a novelty, fine.
4) But, it is just that, a novelty for the wall.
5) If you are really trying to invest for the future
. . . start a "529" college plan for you child or grandchild *
. . . contribute "x" amount of money for birthdays and holidays
. . . have friends and relatives also contribute
. . . then, the college is paid-for by the time kids are ready
. . . plus, there are tax benefits for you


* We did this for our two granddaughters. Their 4-year education was
totally paid before they even entered high school. The money can be
used for ANY college/university/tradeschool. If they choose not to go
to college, the money is available in cash.

 

[RitaE]

If I was going to do that, I'd open up a low cost brokerage account at one of the Discount Brokers and buy shares ... one or two. And then I'd design a fake certificate and to present them.

For instance, TradeKing has no account minimum and $4.95 trades. I think you have to make one trade a year or something to avoid account fees.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm fine with a home made certificate.

And I realize it's a gft, not an investment. I just think they would find it really cool to own a piece of the mouse, even a teeny, tiny little piece.

Thanks for the help... any other input will be gratefully accepted.

I have a friend who worked in a brokerage firm until 9/11, maybe I'll ask her help as well.

 

[Jeff_G]

You can purchase a single share as a gift with a frame-able certificate from oneshare.com.

As others have pointed out this might be good as a special gift but I would not consider it investing.

 

[Aliceacc]

Sorry, I realize I used the word "invest" in that original post. I also realize that this gift is about spending money, not making it.

Still, I'm intrigued with the idea.

 

[ZehnJahren]

When I started with my Disney stock, they did give you an option to get certificates mailed to you (I think with a small fee).

Perhaps you could buy several shares, then opt for the certificates instead of doing it all online (like I do).

Look into it; could be an easier, cheaper way for you to get something cool. I've thought of getting my shares via certificate, but I'd lose them!

 

[ldo]

Jim Cramer just did a segment on getting kids interested and said a share or two is an excellent way to teach about the stock market and investing--which affects them all the way thru retirement. I think I am going do this at Christmas for my kids. Cramer suggested a few shares in couple stocks taht kids recognize, Disney, McD, etc. and then let them follow the market, see which one does better, which one pays better dividends, etc. Others are right about the physical certificates--too expensive. But, I like the idea of the homemade certificates.

 

[tvguy]

Charles Schwab is good for this, or any of the discount online brokers.

I did this with WWE stock (when it was still WWE) for my son. I did buy 10 shares of Disney stock years ago (which due to splits is now 120 shares) , the certificate is very nice, not sure how they are now. In later years we have purchased 800 shares in our IRA, but did not get a certificate.

What used to be nice with Disney was stockholders got discounts. That went away years ago.

 

[drowbe65]

I believe this is still available. You can buy Disney stock without a broker. You have to buy at least $500.
It is Direct Investment Plan. Go to Disney site and look up how to invest in Disney Stock. It makes a nice Christmas present.