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WZZM 13 ONLINE
Facebook image from the Associated Press.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) -- Chances are you check your Facebook page many times a day -- but how would you like to invest in it?
On Wednesday, the social media site filed paperwork to become a publicly-traded company on U.S. stock market. It expects to raise $5 billion in its initial public stock offering (IPO).
Cori Jari says checking her Facebook page is her second love -- right next to her morning coffee.
"It's a love-hate relationship," says Jara.
Some Facebook users even squint before they tell you how many times they check the site. "At least ten times a day," says one user.
Lemonjello's coffee shop in Holland could be considered a Facebook haven." Hope College students, recent graduates, and others often share their adventures, sports, and people they miss on Facebook at the coffee shop.
For some people, checking Facebook borders on addiction -- especially since now you don't even need a computer. You can check it on your phone.
But just because Facebook is user-friendly, it doesn't mean it will be investor friendly. Financial advisor Ryan VanderZwart isn't telling clients to jump on Facebook immediately after it hits the stock market.
"In the late 1990s technology stocks were booming because of the opportunity, but they really weren't showing a lot of profits," says VanderZwart.
VanderZwart says Facebook's recent move would bring the social media site more money - maybe even make it more user friendly. Change is nothing new to Facebook users.
"They complain every time a change is made, but you get used to it," says one Facebook user.
VanderZwart says the application process for the stock market usually takes several months, so it could be a while before you can actually buy a Facebook stock.