Believe it or not, now's the time to finally use those pennies.

This might sound crazy, but right now just might be the best time to invest in the stock market. According to the New York Times,  since stocks have plummeted to ridiculously cheap levels, you can buy many more shares for a fraction of the cost, which makes it easier for the average person, or the broke post-graduate like myself, to jump in. For instance, stocks for Newell Rubbermaid, your mother’s favorite lunchbox company, are a steal at around 13 dollars, which adds up to about 300 bucks for 20 shares.

But how to become an investor outside of your company’s HR office in the first place is where the confusion sets in. This article for young investors from Chester’s Tips gives some solid starting tips for first-timers. The easiest way is to sign up an online trader like eTrade, which charges about a $9.99 commission fee(every time you buy shares, you’re charged a commission) and provides free customer service. Just a few clicks, and you’ve officially joined the ranks of financial adulthood. Considering the economy’s state, however, expect returns to be a bit slow and take a few years. You can’t bet on this for gas money-you’ve got your parents for that.