The more is always better and it should pay off over time. Why don't you start out with $1000 just buying stocks online to get a feels of things and learn as much as you can about other types of investment fora long term solid return. Most of the online places I know offers free phone support, so when you call ask them all the questions you have.

that sounds good. i wont need that 1000 for a while so i can keep it in the stocks for longer.

I was also going to mention gold. You can buy a real ounce (Not just on paper), but the real deal and save it for a while until it reaches a price you're comfortable with and sell it. Even though I don't think metals should be as high as they are now, it might work out ok. I remember buying this stuff at a cheap price lol and oil at $20, so you know how things went :lol:.

Edit: Silver too might look good. Check them out.