Do you have some extra cash lying around doing nothing? Do you want to make more money than you are making at your job? Even if you don't have cash at the moment, you can save some up and start investing. Start investing and you can start making more money.
There are many different ways to invest money. Which should you choose? You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, derivatives, real estate, currency, money market funds, or you could lend it to your unstable cousin. Most of these will probably make you some money, but some will earn you more than others. Why should you choose to invest in the stock market over the other investments?
Stocks over bonds is almost always a guaranteed higher return. The historical return of the stock market is about 10 to 13%. That means that if you invest over the next 30 or so years in the stock market, on average you'll earn between 10 and 13%. If you invest in bonds and CDs or certificates of deposit, you'll be lucky if you can get 6%. Bonds are usually more stable, unless you get into junk bonds. If you want to earn more money, you should invest in the stock market.
Stocks are usually more risky than bonds, but you can control that risk. Diversify your portfolio and you cut down on a lot of that risk that could potentially lose you a lot of money. Invest in stock mutual funds, and you can instantly diversify your stock and not have to worry about choosing and researching your stocks.
That brings us to another great benefit. Stocks are much easier to invest in than commodities, derivatives, or real estate. Some people will say that's not the case, but generally it's easier to get your hands on stock than an apartment building and it's easier to understand how you will make money when you buy a stock then when you get into futures and options. You probably don't even know what futures and options are. If you're not convinced it's easier than derivatives, that's fine because derivatives have to do with the stock market, too.
If you want to invest and make a lot of money, the stock market is the way to go. You can make more money than bonds, it's easier to understand than derivatives, and you can start investing right now if you want to!
