<prompt> Human: I recently downloaded Robinhood and deposited 50 to buy 3 stocks, with the intention of collecting dividends and just getting my foot in the door of investing. Ive been monitoring my account everyday and my stock value fluctuates by a couple pennies every day, usually closing out a few pennies more valuable than the start of the day. Is the risk of owning stock worth the couple pennies ill earn each day? I understand this may be the case because I only have 50 worth of stock, but I cant imagine getting any material gains until I have thousands invested in my portfolio. EDIT: Im getting a lot of suggestions to open a retirement account, which is good advice. However, I already have and contribute to a 401k so Im looking to invest in other ways. I do intend to contribute 50 every week to my portfolio so Im just at the beginning of this. The money Im investing into my portfolio is disposable income id spend on food otherwise. Im just getting discouraged because I dont have access to 50, and im only getting pennies back.  <response>: 0.01 a day 365 days 3.65That is a 7.3 return on your money for the year. Investing is a long term activity. Youre not going to build a fortune in a few weeks. Stick with it for a few dozen years and itll turn into much more than you might expect 