Did I Miss My Chance To Buy Disney Stock?

First the disclaimer…I am not a financial expert.  My personal experience is related in this article.  Before you make any stock or financial decision, please consult someone who knows more than me!

Did I miss my chance to buy Disney stock?  I’m guessing I’m not the only person who has been asking him or herself that recently.  It seems every day I read an article about one financial institution or another that is still high on Disney’s stock price and potential for growth.  Why do I say “still high”?  Well as of the date this article was written, Disney stock is trading at a near all-time high of 117.43.  But that isn’t scaring most analysts off, surprisingly.

How many shares of Disney stock did I own until recently?  Exactly three.  One share for each of my children framed very nicely and hanging in each of their bedrooms.  I very clearly remember buying the $30 single share for my first born who is soon to turn 10.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a Disney fan for life.  I knew full well that all of my children were going to grow up Disney.  Park trips were going to be routine if I had anything to say about it.  The DVD library was already being built.  But for some reason, buying stock was always something I would do in the future.  I always had the means, but never pulled the trigger.

But I can wait no longer.  I cannot read any more articles about record highs and record profits.  I want in.  But at this price?  Yes, at this price.  I spoke to friend who is a financial analyst and he suggested I purchase shares directly from Disney through their portal.  Here are a couple of things I learned and one amazing unintended consequence during and since my purchase.

1. You don’t need a broker or an online trading account like eTrade to buy stock in the Walt Disney Company.  You simply need to create an account and fill out the forms yourself on their website or by mail.
2. If you have the very valid concern about buying when you feel the stock price may be near its peak, one way to minimize that risk is a concept called Dollar Cost Averaging.  This is a very basic investing principle that I suggest you take five minutes to read.  Basically it works by dividing the total sum to be invested in the market (e.g. $1,000) into equal amounts put into the market at regular intervals (e.g. $83 over 12 months).  And yes, you can start with as little as a one time investment of $100 or $50 monthly recurring electronic deduction.

Oh, and that unintended consequence of being a Disney shareholder?  Crowds no longer bother me. Long waits, rude guests, crowded parks all are taken in stride now that I have a piece of the action! Recently my family and I arrived late to a showing of Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out.  The only seats available were on the side 4 rows from the front.  Now in the past, I would have quietly fumed at the crowds encroachment on my Disney fandom.  But not now!  A smile came across my face as I settled low into my seat.  Because now I’m not only a fan…but an owner.  Keep the crowds coming.