(I mean all of this in terms of making an extra few percent - not making 2k into 200 million) I think you have the advantage of timing. Being a casual investo

(I mean all of this in terms of making an extra few percent - not making 2k into 200 million) I think you have the advantage of timing. Being a casual investor you can leave $ as cash until an opportunity arises. You don't need to invest in this current landslide until the smoke clears, big firms and anyone who has already lost money is already committed (few will cut their losses). You also have the luxury of just needing to choose one or two good companies. Drop the $2000 in Microsoft in the early days and you would be a rich man. Take that lesson to today, and maybe you think RIMM is oversold and will be the dominant mobile player for the next 10 years. You put your chips there, and not spread out over 5 mobile stocks. I realize those two things are very difficult to do (timing and selection), but I do think certain individuals can do it better than the rest of the market. My biggest point though: Don't waste ANY time in the market until you have enough money so that the difference between 3% returns and 5% is meaningful. 2K + the market == a waste of your time, as others have suggested invest that into yourself.