Anyone here in stocks? Options

[GotToyota]

Is anyone here in the stock market or own stocks? I'm going to be turning 18 soon, and I've realized that I should start investing a small part of my money into the stock market. With that being said, and don't say it's just because I own a Toyota, but I personally think it would be smart to invest in Toyota stocks, and Toyota recently became the #1 automaker in the world, and it seems their stock prices keep going up and up. I'd like some advice and informative comments/concerns about this.

-Matt

[6gc_driven]

..to start off, the first thing you should do is RESEARCH. If you are asking if anyone is into "stocks" without mentioning other investment possibilites in the market..then you are not ready to invest. if you do not do your research, the market will eat you up alive.

Theres other possiblities besides stock..ETF's, mutual funds, Options (buyin and sellin calls and puts), you can short sell stocks, REITs..etc. theres all sorts of things you can do with your money. The first thing you have to take into consideration is knowing your risk profile. If you are not the risky type of investor, then you are better off sticking with a CD or something of that degree that will earn you little money.
Wanna keep your money safe?, then invest in AAA bonds or a mutual fund that invests in bonds. Keep in mind, the higher the risk, the greater the return..vice versa.

IRA's are good retirement option (considering that by the time we turn 65, we probably wont be receiving Social Security) if you just plan to let your money sit..but please take into consideration the return you are getting on your money and the time value of money.

but if you are 18..i suggest you do your research or sign up for a personal investments course at a college or something before investing..believe me, it will help you out alot.