Q: What can you tell me about investing in a thoroughbred horse racing stable? I've read a lot about it, and it seems as if you need a million bucks to get into it. It's risky, but no worse than the stock market. I think it would be exciting to invest in something you can see, pet and cheer for. - A.L. McNeill, via e-mail.

Hmmm ... Well, you probably know much more about the horse business than we do at this point. It may be thrilling, but don't invest unless you're confident that you can make money at it. The stock market is indeed risky, but you can reduce those risks by learning more about it, and by investing in solid, growing companies for the long haul. Stock market investing can also be exciting, and you can cheer your companies on.