The Checklist Investor

I've been learning how to use a new piece of software called the checklist investor. I picked it up from here the other day. Since that time, I've been spending time getting my checklists in it and working to get familiar with all of the features it comes with it. I discovered that you can add specific stock transactions to the list and work through your stock checklist as you are evaluating it. I also noticed that you can log into your TD Ameritrade account from within the software. Since I use optionsxpress.com, I wasn't able to take a look at how that worked.

Checklist Investor also has a built in mini-browser you can use as well as a way to attach to files to your stock research. But by far the best use of the software is in the ability to create a slew of checklist. I've already set up several. Here are some of the checklists I have set up so far.
Determining market direction
Analyzing stocks based on CANSLIM
Post stock sale evaluation checklist.

I am a big believer in breaking down each step of your strategy. This gets your process out of your head so there is more room in there to actually focus on the results of your research instead of the mechanics of your investing. Most of the research you do is the same for each stock you find, so why not streamline it into a system of specific action steps you already know you are going to take.

The other value in creating stock market investing checklists using this software or any other is in not forgetting important details. It's easy to slack on the finer points in investing. Don't let this be you. Play meticulous attention to every phase of your investing. Your results will improve dramatically.