text: It really depends upon what your risk tolerance is and what your return expectations are of an investment.  Likewise, are you looking long term, medium or short term?\n\nOnehint is stay away from most stocks under $5 a share.  There's a reason why they're so cheap and generally it's not a good reason.  THat's not to say all cheap stocks are high risk but be sure to do your homework.  The combination of factorsd I personally look for are (a) consistent financial performance of the company in general and a consistent price graph for the stock; (b) a history of consistent dividend payments which I usually have reinvested as stock instead of taking the cash; (c) those companies which pay dividends, it's always nice to see periodic increases in dividend payouts or, alternatively, no decrease in dividend payouts; (d) if I can get all of that and there's a history of stock splits I'm usually chomping at the bit; and (e) we all need a little bit of luck combined with some basic research on the company's financial position, prior performance, cash position (to pay out those lovely dividends!).\n\nOne last thing - invest smart. One thing I tell those new to investing is only invest that amount which you are willing and ready to lose.  Not a doomsday approach but you don't want to have a bad taste in your mouth if the market goes "bad" on you and your investments take a hit.\n\nGood Luck!