Thank you all for your concern and advise. I have no plans to touch the money from the sale of my house – it is in CD’s probably until I am able to purchase when housing reaches a price I consider affordable (2yrs? 5 yrs? who knows?).

Just want to learn more about the stock market and investing. I have seen suggestions on Piggington before of books that are recommended for the novice to expand our knowledge, but didn’t make note of them at the time. I am extremely conservative, and analytical, so my desire to learn is for my knowledge and comfort, not to become a trader on my own.

I have looked as some of the links above, and have found answers to some of my questions already. Thanks again.