When you buy stock in a company, it means that you own a small part of that company. That makes you a stockholder, or shareholder. It means that you have a say in how the company is run. How cool is that? You just have to choose a company where you’d like to put in your two cents.

But with all the different stocks out there, what’s a girl to do? A great way to start is to think about companies you think have a really great product or service. If you can afford it, buy a few shares. If it’s a successful investment, your stock will increase in value, and the company may pay you a portion of its profits—also called dividends. 

Of course, there is a flip side—like if the company doesn’t do so well. Then your value might go down, and you may not get any dividends. That’s the risk in owning stock. But most investors feel that it’s a risk more than worth taking.