Someone who invested 100 dollars (worth about 500 dollars today) in Apple stock in 1977 would now have nearly 39 million. I cannot promise the same outcome for you with another company, but you can still make significant money with calculated investments.

The stock market is currently in a bull market, and the increasing stock prices are projected to last for at least a few more years. So, right now, we are in the ideal market to start investing and trading. 

Step #1: Learn

Before even starting to put real money into the market, fully understand the different terms and types of stocks. Equities give you partial ownership of a company. You make money when the company's stock price increases, allowing you to sell it for more than you paid. Bonds are when you loan to a company, and when the bond matures they pay you back and you earn interest. 

Most beginners start out with stocks from popular companies like Apple and Coca Cola called blue-chip stocks, but there are other options to explore. Research whether you want to invest, trade, or do both. In simple terms, trading has more day-to-day action while investing is more long term, but they differ in many other ways. 

Learning about all the different types of investments can help you choose the right one. It is crucial to understand key terms to gain a better grasp of the market. Also, learning what affects the market, such as politics, is important. 

Step #2: Simulations

Use online simulations of the market to practice with fake money so there is room to make mistakes. Websites like “The Stock Market Game” give you virtual money to invest using stats from the live market to practice with.

It’s important to spend a lot of time studying before you start because beginners can lose their money very quickly if they don’t have experience. 

Step #3: Opening an Account and Starting Money

Because most people in high school are under 18, you can’t set up your own account. Instead, you need to have an adult make you a custodial account. A custodial account isn’t in your control, even if your parent deposits your own money into the account. This means you can’t use your debit card.

If you don’t have your own money from a job or allowance, your parents can lend you money; for a beginner, a reasonable amount would be from $100 to $300. You shouldn’t put all of the money into one company, but instead spread it out. This is called diversifying your money and this reduces the chance of serious loss. 

Step #4: Choose Where to Invest 

Most beginners prefer using apps like Robinhood or Webull instead of investing in person or over the phone because it's much more convenient.

When choosing an app consider taxes, commission fees, the level of skill required to use it, etc. Ex: Webull is for more experienced traders/investors in comparison to Robinhood. 

Remember, investing and trading can help grow your money, but it’s important to be aware of the associated risks. The market changes constantly, so patience and knowledge are key to long-term success.