Does anyone out there use trading software to help them with their trading? It's like a little secret out there with many folks. Some folks might not want to admit they bought some software from those late nite infomercials we have all seen. I used to laugh at them all the time myself. But I did know the professionals have tools that I just didn't have access to. So I struggled for years using my "gut feeling" on picking winners. There is a whole lot of work that is needed to be a successful trader and software can really help with this work. But at no time should the software replace hard work, imo! Last year a friend I met and I were talking shop. I knew he was a professional trader and he let it slip out that he used a certain piece of software. After our conversation I went to their web site to look at the price. It was outrageous! But they were offering a seminar to show how it worked. I went with a co-worker to a bird's eye view. After the presentation we were both looking at the screen with our mouths wide open. We agreed to go in and buy the software together and split the cost. I put it o my credit card and my co-worker told me he would give me a check the next day. Unfortunately the next day came and I saw no check! He said his wife would kill him if he kept his end of the bargain. At first I was upset but decided that since I had it, let's make it work. I paper traded with the software for the next 3 months trying differnet strategies out until I found one that works well for my style. So what looked at first to be a huge mistake is now starting to pay for itself and hpefully by the end of the first quarter of 2008 be totally paid for with profits made here on TK. Anyone else want to admit to using software? Boca_Bobby

I've never used packaged software myself. I've had a couple of people recommend Investools (I've been seeing a fair number of commercials for them lately on CNBC lately), but for the type of trading I do, the tool available on TradeKing suit me just fine. If I day traded or traded very frequently, I would consider paying for tools if I thought they could make a difference.

If you make enough money get the Bloomberg Terminal enough said 0=)