Apple vs. an S&P 500 ETF: Which Is the Better First Investment?

Many people invest for their retirement in a 401(k), but those accounts are managed by employers, and the options offered within the plans are generally limited. But when you're ready to take the plunge and begin to invest outside of an employer-sponsored plan, your options are essentially limitless. With that much freedom, it can be hard to know where to start.

You hear all the famous quotes, cliches like "invest in what you know," "never lose money," or "the biggest risk is not knowing what you're doing." But when you're just getting started, those don't really mean much.

Source Fool.com