Markets on the Cheap

Sometimes I'm asked how do I get into the stock market? My advice would be to start reading business and financial news and get used to the terminology as well as the ebb and flow of the markets. However, if you want to gain some experience trading with real money on the line (not a lot) check out the Iowa Electronic Markets. There are marekts for the upcoming Presidential election, Federal Reserve Policy, and even a market for bird flu. You can open an account for as little as $5.