I bit the bullet, and set-up my Roth IRA. I am using Sharebuilder. They offer a pretty decent plan, the standard plan, of 12 bucks a month for 6 trades, and no extra fees. I will use this year to learn about the market, and will put 50 percent of my money in “safe” investments, and the other 50 percent in “risky” stuff. I also have a 403(b) for retirement, and I send 150 bucks a month to it. This year I will focus on building up cash reserves, and beginning to understand the stock market and investment. I am a novice, and will probably make many mistakes. No big deal. I will take what I learn, and will use it for the rest of my life.