So, you want to invest in the stock market. Doing so half-heartedly and without the proper due diligence can destroy you. I've been in the stock market for many years and I've made huge trades and trades that were huge mistakes.

How can you avoid getting slaughtered in the stock market? I've come up with three simple stock picking tips that will help point you in the right direction.

Stock Tip One: No Easy Way

Sorry, there's no easy way to pick winners. Buy into all those "systems" if you want, but in the end you'll be left high and dry. Picking winning stocks is a process—an on-going process.

Stock Tip Two: Don't hold a stock for decades

There's an ancient thought out there that says you should buy a stock and hold it for 10-20 years to make money. I don't know about you, but this doesn't sound like a good time.

If you were to look at everyone who makes a lot or has made a lot in the stock market, you'll find that they trade either very often or somewhat often. Rarely will they have a stock in that sits in their portfolio for years. They may own it off and on in that span, but that's the key.

Stock Tip Three: Do your homework

Don't just buy a stock because a friend of a friend said it's going up or because some service is touting it. Learn how to analyze stocks and companies for yourself.

Ask yourself, why is this stock going up? If you can't answer it, specifically, it's not a good move.

I have plenty more financial articles, which are far more detailed, at my Web site. Remember, a fool and his/her money are quickly parted.

Jason Martin owns a financial blog at FinancialRebel.com. Here are two other financial articles you might enjoy from his site: Apple iPhone - Will ATT Be a Big Winner? | Golf GPS