If you're interested in a low-cost way to experiment and/or invest, check out steep-discounters like Sharebuilder.com, Foliofn.com or Buyandhold.com. They all have their strengths and weaknesses and one might appeal to you more than the others.

I'm sure that you still have time to make a contribution for 2007, avalpert. I know that Sharebuilder.com will wire-transfer/direct-deposit money overnight during the business week (Monday-Friday). I'm sure it's the same with the others.

Disclosure:   I have a taxable account and a Roth account at Sharebuilder.com. I am very happy with them. Inexpensive, good service, great website navigability. Then again, of course, I'm biased.

Regards,

Susan