Can you invest money without a 401k?

i want to start investing but im new

Sure, there a number of ways. If you're 18 or over, you can start up a brokerage account pretty easily and invest that way. If you're under 18, you could still do it using a custodial account. Those are probably the easiest.

Optionally, you could start putting money into retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs, which have tax benefits.

yeah but it would be illegal

yup

Yes, look into a Roth IRA, it has less penalities than a traditional IRA. Also you might want to check into a CD (certificate of deposit) Do a search on google and find out more about each of these, and decide what is best for you. I'd probably say since you are new, a roth IRA is probably best. It's a very good thing though that you are getting into investing.

you could open up a high money market account at any bank. the online money markets like citibank and ing direct offer about 4%+ when you have a savings of about $10,000. you might be limited to how much and how many times you withdraw but that's the beauty of it. you save and while you save, you earn interest.

Sure, you could put money into an IRA (Individual Retirement account). Talk to an accountant, though, as there are stipulations regarding taxes. There are different types of accounts, you need to decide which one is best for your situation.

yes of course you can, but you need to send it to me in order to get it done legally.SEND TO,Barry Steal,C/O, Gonaswindal,& Fanagle, certafied financial grabologist,#1 Gonawishyahadnt Hwy,Falanderersvill KY.93845

I would suggest go start with www.tdameritrade.com

You only need 2000 US$ to open an account. My sister just opened hers as well using the special code (135). She opened her account with as little as 1000 US dollars and got 15 free trades.

Its great. This one I use myself. Its got great stock analyzers and tools to compare data. And you can transfer money electronically yourself with your bank data without the necesity of making bank wires.

Opening an account is free and you dont get charged for inactivity.

enroll in Scottrade - invest in stocks! Do your homework though

Absolutely! Open a cash account with Scottrade (minimum $500) and let 'er rip!