| Summary: | Much research has been conducted on the costs and benefits of performing in-depth financial statement analysis of individual companies. Myself and three other students from the Eller College of Management analyzed Taser International, Inc. (Ticker: TASR) as part of the annual CFA Investment Research challenge. This was a time-intensive learning experience, and our team placed second in the Southwest region. The question is, was this research worth our time? This paper assesses the financial knowledge of various college-educated students. A self-conducted questionnaire revealed that students for the most part do not invest, have mixed financial knowledge, and about half would trust a computer to manage their investments. Most college students should not be using financial statement analysis due to their lack of experience and education in financial topics, and most should consider low-cost investment management services. This study also takes it one step further by analyzing the various alternatives available for those looking to invest their money. Although most college students do not have the wherewithal to participate in cost efficient buying and selling of individual stocks, there are multiple smartphone applications and low-cost investment management services that now provide services once reserved for the ultra-wealthy.
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