<prompt> Human: I have around 5k savings and I want to get into stocks and investing. Did some research and im planning to study the theories behind trading first before jumping the gun. As part of my research, i want to ask people from this sub a few questions.1. Are penny stocks a good starting point for beginners? Im planning on just doing short sells. If not, what are better options? 2. What are good and proven brokers that have a bit low trading fees? So far, Ally bank has the lowest trading fees with 0 minimum balance. Thoughts? 3. What are other softwares that are essential to help me monitor the market and make smarter trades?4. Are there any good materials online that you want to aid newbeed on learning about stocks? Maybe penny stocks?5. The biggest question is: if youre a seasoned trader, whats the biggest lesson youve learned in your trading career that you can impart to a newbee like me?  <response>: Penny stocks are a horrible place to start or finish trading generally. Chase You Invest has a good platform for a beginning trader.Most here will tell you not to trade stocks and to buy index funds instead. They are neither right or wrong on this topic as there is more than one way to skin a cat. 