investing is the smartest way to become financially secure, but make sure you know what your doing. it can also degenerate your cash if you not careful >

>. do not trust other people with your money, period. i suggest reading the dummies books on investing and personal finance before you do. they also have them for mutual funds, stocks, and my personal favorite real estate. i found them very informative. rich dad, poor dad is also a good book to read. im personally involved only with mutual funds and CDs, im only 18. when i learn more about stocks and i have more cash to play with (think of it as a game, dont take money too seriously because you will lose some investing at times) then i will invest in other potentially higher ROI areas. good luck man