Roth IRAs are great if you know you want to save for retirement. However, if youve got a relatively small amount of money youre not sure you know what to do with, jumping in a Roth IRA probably isnt a good idea. Sounds like the OP just wants to make a few extra bucks and maybe have access to in the future (an option he would be penalized for with a roth IRA). I think its a great time. Many stocks are cheap and you just have to research the right ones. Thinkorswim.com is great for options trading. I always tell people great companies for short term investing are those companies you (and your friends/ppl around you) would buy products from. Diversify your holdings also, but dont overextend yourself.