I inherited a large portfolio heavily weighted in equities. My immediate goal is to sell capital loss or low-capital gains holdings in order to raise cash to fund personal stock picks. However, I realize that the long-term outlook of each stock is an important consideration as well. So what I need help with, is sort of a beginner's method on how to think about, and begin making, some of these selections. I am more than willing to sustain holding which are great long-term investments...However, I need some guidance, geared toward the fiscally phobic, on how to identify those which are not. I am somewhat familiar with services such as the MF Caps rating and the Zacks ranking system. Still, selling large volumes of stock based on a simple "number" makes me feel nervous. Any suggestions are very much appreciated...as well as everyone's patience with a newcomer!