• Educate yourself on the matter.
In all matter related to finance, knowledge is always the best resource to increase wealth. Read reliable books on finance and investments particularly about bonds, stocks, and futures, all of which you can dabble in.
• Pay off your high-interest debts.
You may be increasing your investment income but when your debts are piling up, then everything can be in vain. Pay off your high-interest debts first so that you can invest the interest payments into your portfolio later on.
• Choose a reliable brokerage firm.
You can use their free trial period or free account first just so you can get the hang of it. Then you can make your first trades; be sure to invest modest amounts of money so that you can build on your successes. Take advantage of the free educational tools and research reports provided by your brokerage, too.
• Diversify your investments.
Stocks are not the be-all and end-all of your investment portfolio. Look into bonds, CODs, and futures, too.
Now watch as your investment fund grows!