Only invest when the market is going up which it is now(check ^NYA). When it isn’t, cash out. Search for stocks that are generally going up but have recently gone down and have just turned back up. Choose ONLY a few stocks and sell when a stock falls below 5% of its highest point. You can play with the % but you have to set it when you buy and obey it religiously. Ignore all professional/news advice!
Okay, this is gonna sound lame, but watch Madmoney on MSNBC. It’s on at night, or in the evening rather, i’m pretty sure on weekdays. He gives amazing advice for the average guy on what stocks are good to invest in and whatnot. I’ve made a lot of money listening to him. It’s worth a shot.