[LightningGSX]

Just take a hundred or so and play with some penny stocks or something small like Over The Counter stocks on the OTCBB.No need to start an online account, just find a local broker, setup a account with them(usually free).It will at least give you a feel of how things work, and don't let the fact that they are pennies per share fool you, if you find a good one with lots of activity you can still make some good money off them with little risk(not likely, but it happens).IRA's are a good solid investment for the future, but you are limited on how much you can invest per year.I don't really like mutual funds,with the research and time it takes you find a good one, you might as well just researched some stocks and invested in them,Higher risk but definately a better money maker.