<prompt> Human: Hello all, for the past couple of months I have been wanting to begin creating an investment portfolio. I am 23 years old and officially debt-free. I have a solid mutual fund and average 401K for one year out of school. My employer matches up to 4 of contributions, which makes a total of 10 of each biweekly check contributed to my traditional 401K. Despite having these two investments, I want to also actively or swing trade, because I know its important. Despite majoring in finance, I still find myself not knowing where to begin on building a portfolio and with which stocks to begin, so Ive been putting it off for the past couple of months. I know that stock choice is a matter of opinion, but Im looking for pointers. I know I should have approximately 87 stocks and the rest of my portfolio bonds since I am young. I am looking to begin with 300-500, which isnt much, but I want to start of small and then build on momentum. Im not necessarily risk-adverse, but I am a bit hesitant because I want to start off on the right foot and avoid coming up empty-handed after a couple of months. How did you guys decide on which stocks to invest in first? How did you determine allocation? How did you build the cornerstone of your portfolio?I appreciate all advice in advance.  <response>: I want to also actively or swing trade, because I know its important. It is not. It really is not.In fact, that is how you lose all of your money.Dont try to actively trade your money.A simple 3 fund portfolio is all you need. 