First get an overview of the stock market at about.com: There are many (probably hundreds) of strategies for choosing stocks. A very simple one that has been wildly successful in the hands of legendary mutual fund manager Peter Lynch is called "Buy What You Know". Read about it at Introduction to the Stock Market and "KISS"--Keep It Simple, Stupid!. Using this method, choose FIVE of your favorite products or services and find out who makes/offers them, and who the parent company is, if there is one (this information should be available on the company web site, or google parent company: company name). The Ten Parent Companies That Make Your Favorite Brand may surprise you. You are looking for companies that are publicly traded in the United States. You may also choose companies using your own system.