Blue chip funds, though conservative, are solid in profits. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, the most famous collection of 30 stocks, is selected by Wall Street Journal editors based mainly on stability. Blue chip companies like Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola and IBM are typically large and earn well into the millions or even billions. What you should know to make smart blue chip investment decisions is endless but the most commonly used terms can help you get started. Shares, the blue chip fund profits and losses, and earnings per share, the amount of profit a share is entitled to, are a must in any blue chip fund investor's vocabulary. You'll also want to know the blue chip company's ticker symbol — the group of letters representing their stock.

In addition to the terminology, familiarize yourself with:

1. Expert blue chip stock brokers

2. Direct buy blue chip stock services

3. Support for getting the best blue chip stock rates

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Avoid paying fees to a blue chip stock broker for services you may not need

With a broker you'll pay a fee, a fee you won't have if you purchase directly from blue chip stock companies, but with that fee you'll get the knowledge of the broker. But, keep in mind that some brokers charge safe-keeping fees or other bogus fees. You might also want to consult the Securities Investor Protection Corporation in case the broker you do business with files for bankruptcy. Blue chip stocks got their name from the blue chip used in casino games. It happens to be the most valuable chip, which is fitting considering that blue chip stock companies tend to be extremely stable, giving investors more bang for their buck.

I recommend: If you're willing to pay commissions for blue chip stock funds, submit your e-mail address and Business Financial Publishing will send you information for the top 20 brokers for individual investors. Forbes.com reviews the top full-service brokers. Factor in broker commissions with ThinkQuest's buying and selling worksheet.

Get the most of your blue chip value by going to a company charging low or no commissions

Blue chip stock fund investing is historically safe, especially when the economy is stable. Avoid high commission fees or commission fees altogether and manage your accounts online. It's easy to do and saves the fees your financial institution might charge when you have questions about your blue chip mutual fund.

I recommend: ING Direct offers low commission blue chip stock investments you can purchase directly from blue chip companies. Stock1.com also offers direct blue chip stock purchasing but is completely commission free.

Monitor your blue chip value performance regularly

Blue chip values change every day. Rely on free downloadable software and the advice of experts to monitor your blue chip stock investments. You can use the software in conjunction with any online blue chip stock brokerage to buy and sell stocks with just a click.

I recommend: Go to MarketBrowser for a free 3 megabyte blue chip stock tracker. Fortune regularly updates its ranking of blue chip stock companies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Looking for the best of both worlds in your blue chip stock fund? Visit Scottrade.com, a site that offers both self-serve blue chip funds as well as links to branch offices in case you need an expert broker in the end.