Investing your money can be done in a wide range of ways. First, develop a financial strategy (preferrably with a financial planner). Then, look at your net worth and set a budget. Reduce your current debt so that you will have money to begin investing. You can invest in stocks, bonds, CD's at your bank, or buying into mutual funds. Additionally, investing your money could take the form of buying into a small business or starting one of your own.
Whatever you do, investing your money can be exciting and rewarding...or heart-breaking.
Before investing anything, consider your long term goals, and develop a financial strategy. Retirement? Debt-free by a certain age? Want to own a home or pay for children's college? Or are your goals more immediate: do you have crushing monthly debt and want to focus on reducing that debt first?
Discuss your goals with your family and a trusted financial planner. Then, decide which ways of investing your money make the most sense for your situation. Generally, it's good to have money diversified...investing in one opportunity can hurt you if it doesn't work out. Investing in only one opportunity could be considered gambling...you can win big but you could also lose everything. So watch out.
Remember, investing isn't just about making money, it's about meeting your goals. Perhaps you don't care about a big return, but worry more about having a retirement nest egg. Invest accordingly!