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I got into stock and option trading years ago, when I was 21!, in 1998 and 1999. Got some good experience, although I wouldn't trade that way again.
-Have some fun. If it's money you can lose. Building experience can be more valuable than losing $200 or $400 (if it's money you can lose). Not next months rent money. If you're employed, making $30 or $60 k a year, with a decent net worth, then putting $2 k in the market isn't the worst thing in the world.
-Read a lot! Get exposed to different ideas. One pitfall in investing is that people can get almost religiously attached to certain ideas...ie., they are only "value investors", or they're only "gold bugs", etc. That can be limiting. Get exposed to different ideas and investing philosophies.
-I traded a bunch of companies that are long gone....anyone remember Inktomi? CMGI. Double Click. Whole bunch of companies that are long gone, or got bought out.
-One advantage of the internet now is you have access to great articles and interviews. "Market Wizards" by Jack Schwager is a good book for beginning traders. It was written in a different era for stocks (early 90's), but a lot of those interviewed turned out to be billionaires, big hedge fund guys, etc.
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