I think Chris points out some very good tips. If you want to start investing, I would at least have a minimum of $1K to start. I am personally a fan of mutual funds (Franklin Templeton), but one was started for me when I was born (or really, really, really young) and then I have add some to it over the years...but for the most part, it's best to have dividends reinvested versus being paid out (at least at our age). The only other investment I have is my Wal-Mart stock (good thing I didn't take Chris's advice to sell it
). That started when I worked there. I probably should have bought into Checkpoint's stock when I started as well, but it was only like $8/shr, and wasn't doing much. Now it has been over $20. Oh well.....