1. stock or 401k just use the account's feature, CD just use bank. I don't think it is a good idea to know your accurate total balance every time you check it, just want to make you feel good? for you i think sky is the limit
2. It sounds like you want to write some software for a trade firm, check with Dubenfang, he is a Pro. But Iwould recommend that you focus on your strength as a "women" which is spending instead of making money.
