> buy real things that appreciate over time Companies are real things that appreciate over time. Stock is ownership of that. I wouldn't characterize it as a sc

> buy real things that appreciate over time Companies are real things that appreciate over time. Stock is ownership of that. I wouldn't characterize it as a scam exactly. I do think people underestimate how clever markets are and would advise against trying to outsmart them. There is a different kind of bet you can make which is to buy a small part of the entire US economy on the assumption that it will continue to grow during your lifetime. Thats what an index fund is. It's a boring bet with modest returns. A lot has been written about index funds. This video is probably the most clear resource I can think of that has all the information in one place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T71ibcZAX3I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T71ibcZAX3I