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system
what ways are there to invest in stocks, options, indexes, etc, and where should one start (what funds)?
user
i take the route of the tortoise.  i subscribe to the adage that you invest in an excellent index fund like vfinx and forget about day trading and trying to make short term gains. just like i would do at a casino i do gamble a bit for fun.  using etrade you can purchase some vanguard or a billion of other things.  i purchased some apple, google, verizon, and ford (when it was at 1.3) and all of those have been good investments.  however, i don't invest the majority of my money in to individual stocks.  i just do this with some 'play' money. after maxing out 401k, etc. i put away my 6 months of safety net in a money mark and put the rest in vanguard.
assistant