Take stock of your daily routine for investment opportunities

Published 7:03 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

Some investors find the thought of investing in the stocks of individual

companies somewhat intimidating. After all, how do you possibly decide which

companies, out of literally thousands, to choose?

A good place to start is by taking a closer look at the products and

services you use in your own daily routine. Consider a typical day in the life of an

average American.

At 6 a.m., the alarm clock rings, interrupting your peaceful slumber.

You reluctantly roll out of bed and head for the bathroom, where you turn on

the light (Utilicorp. United), shave (Gillette) and shower (American Water Works).

Next you get dressed (Dayton Hudson) and then treat yourself to

a hearty breakfast of eggs and Jimmy Dean sausage (Sara Lee). After

enjoying a second cup of Folger’s coffee (Proctor & Gamble), you kiss

your spouse good-bye and head for work.

At work, you turn on your computer (Hewlett Packard) then return a

few phone calls (Baby Bell telephone companies). Before you know it, your

watch (May Dept. Stores) indicates it’s time for lunch. You telephone (AT&T)

your friend to confirm your lunch date, stop by the ATM machine (Banc One

Corp.), then grab a quick hamburger (McDonalds) and Coke (Coca-Cola).

On your way home from work that night, the cellular phone (ALLTEL

and Motorola) rings. It’s your spouse reminding you that because the second

car is getting a new starter (AutoZone), you need to run a few errands on your

way home. You stop by Toys `R Us to pick up a “Little Tykes” slide

(Rubbermaid) for your son’s birthday and by the

pharmacy (Walgreen Co.) for a prescription and some Coppertone

sunscreen (Schering-Plough) for next week’s vacation.

At home that night, you start a load of laundry (General Electric) while

your spouse cooks dinner. Later that evening, while enjoying an ice-cold

Pepsi (Pepsico), you and your spouse discuss what color to paint

(Sherwin-Williams) the living room and the possibility

of purchasing some new furniture (Sears).

These are typical of the goods and services average Americans use

every day. Many of these products are provided by companies whose stocks

can be purchased publicly. Of course, your loyalty to a particular product

doesn’t guarantee that company’s success, but it does provide a good starting point

in your search for an attractive stock investment. By discussing the company

with an investment professional, you can determine if the stock provides an

attractive investment opportunity or if another company might better suit your

investment needs.

Elaine Webber is an investment representative for Edward Jones. Her

831-5026.