There are Investments Clubs and Share Clubs.
The main difference is that in an Investment Club you join with others and everyone puts in money (and often an ongoing monthly contribution) and everyone jointly owns the stock portfolio that the club buys. There is a wealth of material on the web about how to start or where to find an investment club in your area.
A Share Club is a club that doesn't require you to put up any money. It's more of a social club to share investing info and ideas.
I have never been a member of either, but once acted as the Tax Advisor/Accountant for an Investment Club (until it disbanded). Once there is money involved, some up front advice from a lawyer and accountant will go a long way in settling the inevitable disagreements that will happen. And they will happen! Someome will want their money back at an inopportune time because they need a new car, appliance, golf clubs, or whatever. Better to iron out the policies and rules beforehand.
While you can get all the positives off the websites promoting these clubs, here's a very short list of the the negatives
- very few people who join actually come prepared to the meetings - most are just looking for "free" stock tips
- few of the members are actually qualified to do the basic investment research required - but then that is likely one of the things that the club is supposed to help you gain knowledge and experience in
- although I've never been a member, I would say that as far as advancing your investment knowledge goes, you would be better off just reading one of the "classic" books on investments. Searching Amazon or Indigo will bring up a list that would take years to read.
Now, taking it in a different direction (based on the board you're reading this)
- on the other hand, by joining such a club you might meet a few ladies who may may interest you in ways other than their stocket market prowess.