Since the Internet completely changed the way most people approach stock market investing, more and more people wonder if they really need an old-fashioned full-service stock broker anymore. While top online trading web sites try to emulate everything that a full service stock broker offers to an investor, there really is no substitute for the real thing. For the reasons listed below and for a hundred more, there really is no better way to learn the ropes of stock market investing than with a full service stock broker. Here's why:

Perhaps more than any other reason, getting a full service stock broker is a good idea because they are sometimes privy to information that regular folks aren't, and that information can earn you big returns or save you from huge losses. While anyone can spout off the latest unfounded hot stock tip, full service stock brokers have years of investment education under their belts and they can put that knowledge to work for you every time you request a trade. Remember, you are dealing with your own life savings here, so it is vitally important that you have someone you can use as a sounding board to stop you from making a big mistake with your money.

Second, a full service stock broker can manage your entire stock portfolio for you and help lead you in the right direction so you can accomplish your short term and long term investing goals. We all invest for different reasons, and we all have different goals we wish to accomplish with our investing. Some of us invest so that we can retire without having to worry about money some day, while others invest so they can travel or buy a second home. With a full service stock broker by your side, you can get regular updates on your entire investment picture so you'll know how close you are to your goals and when you can tone down the risk in your portfolio and when you might need to increase the risk. You won't get any of those things using an online investing website.

Using a full service stock broker is also a great idea if you aren't very experienced with investing. No matter how experienced your friends or neighbors are when it comes to stock market trading, they had to get their investment education somewhere, and they likely had help from a full service broker. They can help show you how to do proper research, what most of the jargon means and how to detect a bad investment before you make it. Many online investing websites do have tutorials, but they are no substitute for talking to a real, live person.

Having a full service stock broker on call is also important if you want to learn to invest in other markets outside of North America. One of the most amazing parts of stock trading is that it goes on around the clock at markets in Asia, Europe and North America, and with a full service broker, you can invest in any number of these markets. It is a great way to expand your portfolio and get in on stocks that others may not know about. Most online investment sites don't even offer overseas trading, so you might miss this spectacular investment opportunity if you don't have a real life stock broker.

As you can see, the benefits of using a full service stock broker are many, so don't approach the world of stock investing without the proper investment education.