I was just curious if anybody on this board has money in the stock market and does investing.
I have some money put aside that I would like to invest, BUT I know absolutely NOTHING about the Stock market. I've tried going to the Library and getting some books on "How to invest" but they all put me to sleep and go into WAY TOO Much detail and it goes way over my head.
Does anybody have any suggestions of how I should start? I have about 2 grand put aside. should I invest in mutual funds? Whats the best way to start for someone like myself who knows nothing about investing?

I really wanted to get started on investing because my parent and relatives have all had crappy jobs that never paid much, BUT they were smart, and invested and are now living comfortably.
Any Help would be nice

Buy low, sell high. Keep your emotions in check. "Hot tips" are always bogus. Well known stocks have little upside left (Nike, Intel, et al). Diversify, diversify, diversify.

There is a older well-known stock guide written by I. Forget. If I remember the name, I'll post it here.

If its action you want, I suggest checking this out: http://thebowserreport.com/default.aspx

Google this report to see what others are saying about it. It is perfect for your $2000. You'll have a chance to learn the highs and lows of stock wheeling and dealing and controlling your emotions before you invest big bucks on more safer stocks.

"The Wealthy Barber" by David Chilton. It's an entertaining read and it has an actual story line.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wealthy_Barber

My wife and I are slow but steady investors. Not looking for the home run just wise careful investing in a variety of areas. We do a yearly check up after taxes to make we're on target. Tweak here and there but don't get emotional during down times.

Your $2000 should be put in a Roth IRA.

Open one up and pick 2 or 3 mutual funds that have good historical returns. You don't need to wheel and deal and take huge risks, slow and steady over the years wins the race. And I would also suggest that once you set up the Roth IRA with your initial balance, have $150 per month (more if you can afford it) automatically deducted from your checking account and put into that Roth account each month. This will do two things: Mitigate your risk by dollar cost averaging, and it forces you to save.

The great thing about the Roth is that when it's time to retire, you will not pay income tax on that money when you withdraw it. And along the way, should you need to do it, you can withdraw your original contributions before retirement without early withdrawal penalties or taxes.

Anybody that qualifies for a Roth IRA and is not currently doing one should consider taking advantage of one of the best tax shelters available to the average person.

first don't do it yourself without help. or you will spend tuition money in the school of hard knocks. find someone else who has been successful at it. work with them. or you will be giving it away. there is a learning curve in sotck investing.

Here's a safe investment:

http://www.i91.ctc.edu/kvti/Guarantee.html