Best way to invest a few thousand dollars in medium-risk investments?

I have next to zero experience in investing, since I am just out of high school. I have around 2000-4000 dollars I am willing to invest in medium-risk investments. Although I've done a bit of research myself, I'd like to get a rundown of what is safe yet shows good growth. I know high-risk would involve small-cap "penny" stocks, while for a safer bet there are Mutual Funds. Yet my cash is limited, and I'm not willing to do anything risky, such as margin accounts for stocks. Can anyone please explain what I should really do with my money for the best growth?

I'm a novice just like you.. But I would recommend you invest it in stocks.. Open an account with Zecco trading and buy 4 lots of stocks totaling 1000 dollars per lot and watch that grow..

You def. wont lose your money..

Stocks I recommend
AAPL (apple)
DRYS
TBSI
RIMM

Those stocks are sure to grow within the year..

Penny stocks are like tossing your money out the window. Mutual funds are good, but usually come with a higher fee. If you open an account at a deep discount broker like TDAmeritrade, you can deposit your money, and buy directly for around $10 a trade. You can buy shares that directly mimic the S&P or Dow (like the QQQQ or DIA). You can also directly buy good blue chip stocks, like CVX (one of my favorites). Good luck.

You most definitely CAN lose money investing in stocks - even "blue chip" ones - as equity markets are by nature volatile and cyclical. I would suggest a good no-load mutual fund. There are many funds which range from conservative to speculative. Most people who try to "flip" and trade stocks wind up losing money. But before investing any money, do some learning. There are a number of good books available (Mutual Funds For Dummies is a favorite - very easy to read). In the meantime, park your money in a money-markey fund account where it'll be safe and you'll earn a decent interest rate. Good luck.